The Kwara State Government has strengthened its partnership with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and other agricultural stakeholders to advance mechanised farming, environmental sustainability and women inclusion across the state.

The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Kwara State chapter of AFAN to the Kwara State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes in Ilorin.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Communication Officer of KWACReSAL, Okanlawon Taiwo.

Speaking during the meeting, the State Project Coordinator of KWACReSAL, Shamsideen Aregbe, assured farmers of the state government's continued support toward improving food production, mechanised agriculture and climate resilience.

He said: "Tractorisation remains a critical component of modern agriculture. Access to farming equipment is essential for increasing productivity and addressing food security challenges across the state."

He explained that the tractor support initiative introduced last year followed a World Bank-backed intervention and presidential directive aimed at supporting farmers with mechanised farming equipment.

Aregbe acknowledged concerns raised about operational challenges affecting some tractors, assuring stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to determine the condition and operational status of the equipment to enable effective utilisation by farmers.

"We must sustain engagement with farming communities, particularly in addressing challenges relating to flooding, agricultural logistics and food security," he added.

The project coordinator also stressed the need for gender equality and inclusion in agricultural interventions across the state.

"The inclusion of women is not negotiable. We must continue to encourage and support women to actively participate in agricultural programmes and leadership processes," he stated.