Kwara Govt Lists Efforts Made By Gov AbdulRazaq To Sustain State’s Lowest Food Inflation Rate Status 

The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has reaffirmed its dedication to bolstering food security, empowering farmers, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. This commitment was emphasized during the 4th Quarterly Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance’s conference room.

Addressing attendees, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, presented the Ministry’s accomplishments and future plans, highlighting its transformative impact on agriculture in Kwara State.

Mrs. Thomas outlined several initiatives that emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to revitalizing the agricultural sector and improving livelihoods.

A key milestone in 2024 was the Ministry’s partnership with Olam Company to enhance the soybean value chain. Deliverables included two thresher machines and 6,000 packaging bags distributed to farmers in Baruten Local Government Area, providing critical support for improved soybean production and processing. This collaboration also facilitated capacity-building workshops for farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to boost yield and ensure quality. The initiative has significantly contributed to value addition and market competitiveness in the soybean sub-sector across the State.

Another significant achievement was the renovation of the State hatchery, which now ensures a steady supply of fingerlings to fish farmers. The initiative has revitalized fish farming activities across Kwara State, boosting food security and strengthening the local fish farming industry. Complementing this effort was the launch of the “Thursday Fish Market,” creating better access to fish products and supporting fish farmers’ livelihoods.

The Ministry also hosted the North Central Zonal Conference of Women and Youths in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, a landmark event that empowered women and youths by providing training, resources, and networks to encourage active participation in agribusiness.

The revitalization of the long-abandoned Kaiama Cattle Ranch and the establishment of 1,000 hectares of pasture in Kaiama, with plans to replicate this in every local government area, were achieved through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES). These initiatives now provide herders with access to water and nutritious feed, improving livestock productivity and incomes while promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. Also under L-PRES, a State-wide anthrax vaccination campaign was launched to protect livestock health and strengthen resilience in the livestock farming sector, a vital component of the State’s economy.

The Ministry intensified its efforts to build capacity by training 300 additional farmers and extension agents in small ruminants production and efficient crop residue utilization, bringing the total to 700 trained individuals in 2024. The training programmes were aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve productivity and sustainability.

To support agricultural extension services, 193 motorcycles were provided to Agricultural Extension Agents under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL). The support has ensured timely delivery of critical farming interventions across the 16 local government areas.

Progress was also recorded in the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Project (SAPZ), which saw advancements in infrastructure for Aggregation and Trading Centers (ATCs) and Agricultural Industrial Hubs (AIHs). Farmer profiling and mapping were completed, while gender guidelines and stakeholder engagements ensured inclusivity and community participation.

The Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) recorded success in soybean processing training, held in collaboration with the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) and INSPRI. Participants were trained to produce Soy Tofu (BESKE) using a dehydration technique, extending the product’s shelf life and encouraging agro-processing. A dehydration machine has also been made available at the Ministry to support value addition.

Food security remained a top priority, with the Cadre Harmonisé food and nutrition analysis conducted across all the 16 local government areas, guiding targeted interventions.

Mrs. Thomas, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, expressed gratitude to stakeholders, farmers, and partners for their unwavering support. She reiterated the State government’s resolve to foster innovation, strengthen partnerships, and implement forward-thinking policies to make agriculture a cornerstone of Kwara’s economic growth.