The Kwara State Government North Central Nigeria has distributed improved seeds and fertilizers to farmers in the 16 Local Government Areas of the state to cushion the challenges of food security in the state.

The flag-off ceremony for the distribution of improved seeds and fertilizers to Kwara farmers was held at the office of the Kwara State Agricultural Development Agency, KWADP.

In his remarks at the ceremony, the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq explained that the flood disaster that occured last year had a negative effect on the country.

Different interventions

According to him, the flood impacted negatively on the country, including Kwara State which necessitated different interventions from all levels of government and international actors.

The governor emphasised that his administration recognizes the challenges of food security and has consistently put in place various programmes to improve the living standard of the populace.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the Governor said Kwara State as an agrarian state is blessed with fertile lands that can produce virtually all crops grown in the West African region because of its strategic geographical location.

This, he said, gives the state a great opportunity to expand its economic growth through agriculture as it remains the major source of food, job creation, poverty alleviation, and raw materials for the local industries, among others.

Effective service delivery

The interventions by the State Government in agriculture includes payment of counterpart funds, Kwara Tractorisation Subsidy Scheme, distribution of farm inputs, such as improved seeds and fertilizers, a 10-year Agricultural Transformation Plan designed to make Kwara food sufficient by 2030.

It also includes constant training and retraining of Extension Agents on the field to ensure effective service delivery.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Gidado Alakawa, thanked the Governor for his unrelenting efforts and prompt actions towards the payment of counterpart funds for SAPZ, NG-Cares, L-Press and, the flag off and distribution of improved maize seed and fertilizers to the farmers.

Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Godwin Oyigoga, thanked the government of Kwara for her quick response in the battle against food insecurity in Nigeria and the government's collaborative efforts in getting the provided commodity to the appropriate quarters for maximum usage.