Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has launched another round of distribution of agricultural inputs and machinery to farmers across all 16 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to boost food production and support rural livelihoods in the ongoing farming season.
Speaking through his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, during the symbolic flag-off ceremony held on Thursday in Ilorin, the Governor described the gesture as a practical reflection of his administration’s commitment to food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.
He reaffirmed that agriculture remains a top priority for the state government not just as a sector, but as a vehicle for empowerment, job creation, and rural transformation.
He noted that the current distribution marks another phase of ongoing support, with more batches scheduled to reach deeper into farming communities. The initiative, he said, is designed to reinforce collective productivity and expand access to critical farming resources across the state.
Items distributed at the event included tractors, ploughs, harrows, ridgers, maize seeds, Faro 44 rice seeds, and soya bean seeds. The package also featured various fertilisers, including NPK, urea, and Single Super Phosphate (SSP), alongside herbicides and chemicals for maize, rice, and soya bean cultivation. Farmers also received knapsack sprayers to ensure the proper application of the farm chemicals.
Governor AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the strides made in the agricultural sector under his administration, highlighting investments in rural road rehabilitation, irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation services, and support for farmer cooperatives.
He said such interventions are aimed at opening more opportunities for farmers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Governor urged them to use the distributed resources responsibly, emphasizing that the inputs are not mere handouts but strategic investments in their productivity, future, and the overall prosperity of Kwara State.
Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, said the interventions were implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), a programme executed in partnership with the World Bank.
She said the distribution was a direct outcome of Governor AbdulRazaq’s wise and consistent investment in agricultural resilience and food security.
In separate remarks, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore, and Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Yunus Usman Lade, praised the Governor for his dedication to improving the agricultural sector and for implementing impactful programmes that benefit the grassroots.
State Project Coordinator for ACReSAL, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, noted that the programme is focused on equipping farmers with essential resources to boost their productivity and incomes.
He added that in December 2024, the state government distributed 193 motorcycles to agricultural extension agents across the state to strengthen extension services and support delivery.
Chairman of the Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association, Abdullahi Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support for farmers.
He said the administration’s efforts have contributed significantly to improving food sufficiency and transforming agriculture in the state.
