The Kwara State Government has pledged its committed to advancing food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, stated this on Tuesday during the third quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
Dr. Alabi announced that, for the first time in 30 years, Kwara State has secured the revitalisation and approval of the National Programme for Food Security, a legacy initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and sustainability.
The Commissioner also explained that the ministry is reviewing and expanding its farmers’ register to include more beneficiaries and ensure that interventions reach genuine farmers, reaffirming the government’s resolve to build a verified and sustainable database ahead of the next rainy season.
He noted 100 farmers have been trained for large-scale maize production in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, in Ibadan, with a target of training 10,000 in total.
Dr. Alabi also highlighted the ministry’s partnerships with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority to mitigate the effects of climate change on farmers.
The Commissioner added that plans are also underway to deliver a state-owned shea butter factory in collaboration with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology to create jobs for young people, while partnerships with rice farmers and the Bank of Agriculture are being explored to provide loans and improve productivity.
