As the 2025 planting season kicks off, the Kwara State Government has rolled out a fresh phase of agricultural support for farmers across its 16 local government areas—distributing machinery and a wide range of inputs aimed at boosting food security and rural livelihoods.
At a symbolic flag-off event in Ilorin on Thursday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq—represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau—said the intervention reflects the administration’s strong belief in agriculture as a cornerstone of poverty reduction and economic growth.
“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 stated.
Among the distributed items were 16 additional tractors and accompanying implements such as ploughs, harrows, and ridgers. Farmers also received 32,000kg of maize seeds, 18,000kg of Faro 44 rice seeds, and 10,800kg of soya bean seeds, alongside over 10,000 bags of fertilisers including NPK, urea, and single super phosphate. The package also included herbicides, sprayers, and nitrogen-fixing inoculants—all tailored to suit the agro-climatic conditions of the region.
Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the support is part of a broader agricultural revival strategy that has also seen rural roads rehabilitated, irrigation systems developed, and cooperative farming groups empowered.
“These inputs are not handouts,” he stressed. “They are investments in your productivity, your future, and the prosperity of our state.”
The event drew participation from top government functionaries, traditional leaders, party stalwarts, women and youth groups, and representatives of farming communities. Among those present were the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, and several cabinet members.
Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Nafisat Buge, said the intervention was carried out under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme, a World Bank-supported initiative designed to promote climate-smart agriculture and food security.
“This event represents one of the many fruits of the bold, strategic investments made by this administration,” she said.
Her counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore, praised the Governor for delivering real impact, while Hon. Yunus Usman Lade of the Water Resources Ministry highlighted the role of integrated water and land resource management in improving yields.
ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, added that the programme is committed to equipping local farmers with the tools needed to thrive in the face of climate challenges. He also recalled that in December 2024, the state government distributed 193 motorcycles to extension agents to ease their work across the state.
Chairman of the Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association, Abdullahi Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Governor for his “unwavering commitment to agriculture and the well-being of farmers.”
