The Lagos State government has officially launched the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Subsidy Programme, a massive N500 million initiative aimed at reducing food prices and supporting local farmers. The programme offers a 25% subsidy on poultry and fish feeds, as part of efforts to stabilize food supply and curb inflation ahead of the festive season.
Commissioner Abisola Olusanya announced that the scheme is a strategic move to address rising costs of agricultural inputs, especially feeds for poultry and fish farming, which account for over 70% of production expenses. By subsidizing these costs, Lagos aims to prevent farm closures, improve production levels, and ensure steady supplies of protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, and fish.
The programme is set to run every Wednesday from February 5 to February 26, 2025, at designated markets and farm clusters, where farmers will pay only 75% of the costs, with the government covering the remaining 25%. Reputable feed millers and farmer associations are key partners in the implementation.
The scheme also includes distribution of farming equipment such as power tillers, sprayers, and generators, alongside fertilizer subsidies, to promote mechanized farming and reduce manual labor. The government seeks to build a resilient and sustainable food system, fostering innovation and inclusivity across Lagos’s agricultural sector.
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