Biodun Esan, Ilorin
About 3, 000 farmers are to benefit from farm inputs as Kwara State commenced the distribution of farm inputs in Apata Alaje, Banni Community in Kaiama local government as part of measures to drive food sufficiency and promote livestock development.
The Press Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Daibu Abubakar in a statement said that the initiative was being carried out in partnership with Arzikin Noma and an international partner, IDH.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the project is focusing on cultivating sorghum and soybeans to boost grain production for animal feed.
According to the commissioner, it would also check the perennial conflicts between farmers and herders in the state.
She commended the development partners for coming on board and described the partnership as timely and purposeful.
“The current partnership with Arzikin /Idh/Olam is very timely because it is focused on the cultivation of grains for humans and animals, but majorly for animal feed production.
“As we are all aware, food is the main reason for clashes between farmers and herders and if we can grow more grains that will be used for animal feed to achieve the modernisation and commercialization of Livestock farming, then we are on our way to ending farmers/herders clashes in Nigeria.
“This partnership will also help us to achieve a broader agenda of this administration; which is the creation of industries and value-addition centers, to ensure that goods produced in Kwara are processed or improved upon and do not leave the state as unprocessed goods,” she said.
The commissioner added that the items for distribution include 18, 000 bags of fertilizer, 6, 000 liters each of 3 different chemicals, 75MT of sorghum seed, and 100MT of soya seed.
Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi, in his remarks said the choice of the Apata Alaje community for the project is a welcome development, expressing hope that this will promote peace between the farmers and herders in that locality.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items to achieve the desired results.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy, Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam, in his remarks, said the flag off of the distribution of inputs serves as a symbol of progress and innovation on the agricultural renaissance of the state, commending the Governor’s vision and investment in the agric and livestock development.
CEO of Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adeoluwa, said the project aimed to ensure that farmers have access to agrochemicals, quality seedlings, training, and other necessary support.
He said the farmers will not have problems with sales, promising that off-takers like Olam are on the ground to buy from them after the harvest.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy, Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam; Special Assistant on Farmers Intervention, Suleiman Abdullahi Belle; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development.
Others were Alhaji Yahaya Muhammed; representative of the Director of Security Service (DSS), Mr Usman Danladi; MD/CEO Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adeoluwa; Senior Programme Manager for IDH, Dr Daniel Abah; Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Sheu Muazu Omar, who was represented by the Waziri Kaiama, Alhaji Adamu Gene; other chieftains of the Emirate; and farmers.
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