Kwara State government has partnered with Olam Agric to address post-harvest losses and improve farmers' profitability.

The state commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore and the vice president, Procurement, Olam Agri, Mr Noel Ferrao signed the pact in Abuja.

Abolore identified post-harvest losses as a major constraint affecting farmers' income and overall sector efficiency.

He stressed the need for improved storage systems within the state as a practical intervention to safeguard harvested produce and reduce avoidable waste.

Abolore explained that the proposed activation of storage facilities would improve preservation, support aggregation of produce, and enhance farmers' ability to access better market opportunities through improved timing and reduced pressure to sell immediately after harvest.

He appreciated the collaboration and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to strengthening agricultural support systems across the 16 local government areas of the state.

He noted that the intervention would directly reach thousands of farmers.

In his remarks, Mr Ferrao, said that Olam Agri was looking to work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara State government, development agencies and financial institutions to create a sustainable model for maize and soyabean outgrower programmes, providing seeds and inputs to farmers as well as training on good agricultural practices and timely market access.

He explained that Olam Agri was already in one such partnership in soyabean and planning to launch another this farming season.