The Kwara State Government has launched the distribution of 100 motorcycles and 5,000 enzymes to agricultural extension agents and livestock farmers as part of efforts to boost food production and ensure access to nutritious food across the State.
The initiative, featured the presentation of a Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Department of Livestock Services under the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to enhance the mobility of its field officers.
The event, ororganised the Ministry under the Livestock Productivity and Resilient Support Project (L-PRES), was attended by sesenior Government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
A statement by Yusuf Ganiyu Adebisi, the Project Communication and ICT Officer, said Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq spoke in Ilorin, emphasising the administration’s commitment to food and nutrition security.
He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at repositioning and transforming the agricultural sector.
“To address farmers-herders conflicts, we have constructed and rehabilitated several boreholes equipped with water troughs along livestock routes and other strategic locations across the state,” the Governor said.
The governor, represented by Mamman Saba Jibril, the Secretary to the State Government, outlined additional Government interventions, including the training of 700 extension agents and farmers on small ruminant production and feed processing for enhanced productivity.
“In line with our commitment to the health of livestock, the Ministry of Agriculture has recently commenced a statewide mass anthrax vaccination campaign across all 16 local government areas of the state,” he added.
Governor Abdulrazaq acknowledged the support of partners such as the World Bank, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Islamic Development Bank, and African Development Bank in driving the L-PRES initiative.
Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, lauded the governor for his significant investment in the agricultural sector. He highlighted the critical role of extension agents in providing vital support to farmers and enhancing food security.
Olusoji Oyawoye, State Project Coordinator for L-PRES, noted that the intervention would not only expand the reach of extension workers to farmers in remote areas but also improve the speed and efficiency of service delivery.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower livestock extension workers, strengthen their capacity, and equip them with the tools to effectively support farmers, promote best practices, and enhance overall productivity,” Oyawoye said.
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