Council acquires bush-clearing machines for farmers

Ahead of the 2025 farming season, the Chairman of Badagry-West Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Joseph Gbenu, has announced the acquisition of new grading machines to assist farmers and boost food productivity in the area.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, Gbenu stated that the initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and support local farmers as they prepare for the 2025 cultivation season.

According to him, the new grading machines will be distributed to farmers in the council to aid in tilling their farmlands.

“We are also prioritising the development of essential infrastructure like irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, and storage facilities to boost production,” he said.

“The council is exploring funding opportunities from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private foundations to support farmers and agribusinesses in the LCDA.

“Organisations like the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development offer various funding options to farmers, and we are also approaching them.”

Gbenu further revealed that the council would provide training programs for youths and capacity-building initiatives for farmers, focusing on modern farming techniques, best practices, and business management skills.

“We are also working to improve market access for farmers, supporting agricultural marketing cooperatives, and developing agricultural value chains,” he added.

Additionally, the chairman stated that the council would provide subsidies to farmers to enable them to acquire seedlings during planting seasons.