Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday flagged off another round of machinery and agricultural inputs distribution to farmers across the 16 local governments as this year’s farming season begins.
The governor described the gesture as another practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
Represented by the senior adviser and counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu, the governor said, “Our administration has consistently prioritised agriculture, not just as a sector but as a tool to empower our people, strengthen rural livelihoods, and create sustainable jobs. “ The governor said this in Ilorin at a symbolic distribution of the agricultural items.
“What we are flagging off today is another wave of this assistance. More distributions will follow in organised batches, reaching deeper into our communities and reinforcing our shared productivity.”
Among the items distributed to farmers at the event were 16 additional tractors,16 ploughs, 16 harrows, and 16 ridgers; 32,000kg (1,600 bags) of maise seeds, 18,000kg (360 bags) of Faro 44 rice seeds, and 10,800kg (270 bags) of TGX 1951 soya bean seeds; 720 sachets of inoculants to support nitrogen fixation and boost legume productivity; 5,040 bags of NPK (20:10:10), 5,040 bags of urea, and 720 bags of Single Super Phosphate (SSP); herbicides; 2,100 kg of atrazine for maise, 720 litres of butaforce for rice, and 2,880 ml of butaforce for soya beans.
Others were 4,320 litres of striker for maise, 7,200 litres of rice force for rice, 720 litres of legume force for soya beans, and 2,400 knapsack sprayers to ensure the efficient use of chemicals on farms.
AbdulRazaq expressed delight about the notable progress the government has made in the sector, citing the rehabilitation of several rural roads that connect farm communities and the expansion of access to quality inputs and mechanisation services.
He added that the government has also invested in irrigation systems, supported farmer cooperatives, and opened up opportunities for farmers to thrive.
The governor urged the benefiting farmers to use the items wisely for the transformation of their farms and communities.
The state project coordinator for ACRESAL, Alh Shamsideen Aregbe, said the programme aimed to empower local farmers with essential resources to enhance their productivity and livelihoods.
The Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association chairman, Abdullahi Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked Governor AbdulRazaq for his support for farmers over the years and his unwavering commitment to achieve food sufficiency in the state.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWSPAPER