Kwara’s agricultural reforms yielding results, says Commissioner
The Kwara state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi has asserted that the state is swiftly becoming one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally vibrant states, a transformation propelled by the strategic investments of the current administration.
During a visit from the Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Abolore highlighted the significant advancements in the sector attributed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agricultural reform initiatives.
“Our agricultural reforms are yielding tangible results,” Dr. Abolore stated. “Kwara is blessed with diverse and unique crops that set us apart from other states. Many neighboring states rely on us for high-quality seeds, crops, and farm inputs. While this demand demonstrates our strength, we are establishing systems to manage this outflow, ensuring that our farmers benefit first and that Kwara can generate more revenue from its agricultural resources.”
He underscored the vital role of agriculture in the administration’s development agenda and urged commodity associations to deepen their collaboration with the government, expanding their focus beyond agriculture to broader rural development initiatives.
On his part, Alhaji Nasir Yusuf, the FACAN State Coordinator, praised the state government for its continuous transformation in agriculture. “The renewed focus on the sector is indicative of greater days ahead,” he said, reaffirming the association’s commitment to working in alignment with government priorities.
FACAN serves as the umbrella organization for various commodity associations engaged in producing, processing, and marketing essential crops, including shea butter, soybeans, sugarcane, rice, and groundnuts. Its critical role involves developing value chains, connecting farmers with markets, and advocating for supportive policies.
In her own contributions, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya expressed gratitude to FACAN for their ongoing support. She assured the association of the Ministry of Agriculture’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing Kwara’s agricultural and rural development. The meeting reinforced the importance of sustained partnerships among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of Kwara’s agricultural landscape.
