Kwara Boosts Food Security with Farm Inputs, Equipment for Local Farmers

Farmers across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State have again received a major boost as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday launched another round of farm machinery and agricultural input distribution to mark the 2025 farming season.

The initiative, held in Ilorin, reinforces the government’s ongoing commitment to food security, rural development, and poverty reduction. Represented by his Senior Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adu Salau, Governor AbdulRazaq described agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth and empowerment in the state.

“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,” he stated.

Items distributed included 16 tractors, 16 each of ploughs, harrows, and ridgers, 32,000kg of maize seeds, 18,000kg of Faro 44 rice seeds, and 10,800kg of soya bean seeds.

Also delivered were thousands of bags of fertilisers, herbicides, inoculants, and 2,400 knapsack sprayers aimed at boosting productivity across various crop value chains.

“This is another wave of support. More distributions will come in phases, reaching deeper into our communities and strengthening our shared productivity,” the Governor added.

Farmers at the event confirmed that such support has become a regular lifeline under the current administration. Governor AbdulRazaq also noted other strides such as rural road rehabilitation, irrigation investment, and farmer cooperative support.

“These inputs are not handouts — they are investments in your productivity, your future, and the prosperity of our state,” he told beneficiaries.

The event drew cabinet members, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders, including the Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya.

Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, explained that the intervention falls under the World Bank-supported ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes) programme, which targets climate resilience and food security.

Commissioners for Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr Afeez Abolore and Hon. Yunus Usman Lade, praised the Governor’s proactive approach to empowering local farmers.

ACReSAL Coordinator, Alhaji Shamsideen Aregbe, added that beyond the current inputs, the government had earlier distributed 193 motorcycles to extension agents across the state to enhance farm outreach.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Chairman of the Kwara State Farmers’ Support and Welfare Association, Abdullahi Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his consistent backing of the agricultural sector, saying it has brought renewed hope to farming communities.

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