Agricultural inputs and training support worth N150 million have been provided to farmers in Kogi State to boost productivity and efficiency. The initiative was disclosed on Saturday during the training and distribution of materials in Lokoja by Tunde Arosanyin, a consultant to the project.
According to Arosanyin, the programme is sponsored by James Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
He explained that the support is part of efforts to improve food security and enhance sustainable farming practices. The project, which began in June this year, is in collaboration with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, and Bright-tech Resources Limited.
“The project targets farmers across Kogi’s three senatorial districts to help them recover from losses caused by the recent fall in food prices,” Arosanyin said. He added that the intervention provided farmers with key resources, including sprayers, herbicides, seeds, liquid organic fertiliser, cash assistance, and other vital inputs.
Beneficiaries also received training aimed at building capacity in agricultural value chains such as cassava and fisheries. Arosanyin stated, “A total of 165 farmers across the three senatorial districts will benefit from the programme. The project includes demonstration farms, with over 150 hectares of land cleared and prepared for farming, and motorised boreholes provided in some locations.”
He further explained that while President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives have helped reduce food prices for consumers, many farmers have been unable to sell their produce at profitable rates. “The project offers training on best agronomic practices, cash support, and demonstration farms to provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge. By providing essential inputs and training, it aims to help farmers recover from losses and improve their livelihoods,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Haruna from Lokoja Local Government, expressed appreciation for the intervention. He said the training broadened their knowledge of cassava and fisheries production, and thanked Faleke for supporting the welfare of farmers in Kogi.