The Kwara State Government has launched a large-scale distribution of farm inputs to 3,000 farmers in Apata Alaje, Banni community, Kaiama Local Government Area.
The project, initiated by the Kwara State Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited and international partner, IDH, focuses on the cultivation of sorghum and soyabean, two vital crops needed for both human consumption and animal feed production.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Monday, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasized the importance of the project to the state’s agricultural economy and security.
“The current partnership with Arzikin / IDH / Olam is very timely because it is focused on cultivation of grains for human and animal, but majorly for animal feed production,” she said.
Thomas noted that this move will not only increase food sufficiency but also reduce clashes between farmers and herders by ensuring enough feed for livestock, thereby easing tensions in rural communities.
“As we are all aware, food is the main reason for clashes between farmers and herders and if we can grow more grains that will be used for animal feed to achieve the modernisation and commercialization of livestock farming, then we are on our way to ending farmers/herders clashes in Nigeria,” she added.
She further explained that the project supports Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s broader vision of adding value to agricultural produce and promoting agro-industrialization within the state.
“This partnership will also help us to achieve a broader agenda of this administration—which is creation of industries and value addition centres, to ensure that goods produced in Kwara are processed or improved upon and do not leave the state as unprocessed goods,” she said.
The items being distributed to farmers include 18,000 bags of fertilizer, 6,000 liters each of three different agrochemicals, 75 metric tonnes (MT) of sorghum seed, and 100MT of soya seed.
Also present at the event were the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy, Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam; Special Assistant on Farmers Intervention, Suleiman Abdullahi Belle; and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammed.
Representatives from development agencies and traditional institutions were also in attendance, including Mr. Usman Danladi from the Department of State Services (DSS); the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Sheu Muazu Omar, represented by Waziri Kaiama, Alhaji Adamu Gene; and various community leaders.
Hon. Sabi praised the project and said its location in Apata Alaje is a strategic choice that will strengthen peacebuilding between farmers and herders in the area.
“This is a welcome development. I believe this project will help to reduce disputes and promote peaceful coexistence in this locality,” he said.
Alhaji Atiku Abdulsalam described the distribution as “a symbol of progress and innovation,” appreciating the governor’s consistent investment in agriculture and livestock development.
CEO of Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited, Adesola Adeoluwa, said the initiative is designed to provide farmers with full support, including access to quality seeds, agro-chemicals, training, and most importantly, guaranteed market access.
“Our aim is to make sure these farmers do not struggle to sell their produce. Off-takers like Olam are already on ground to buy from them once they harvest,” Adeoluwa assured.
Speaking on behalf of IDH, Dr. Daniel Abah highlighted that the goal of the initiative is to make the agricultural value chain more productive and profitable for smallholder farmers.
“This programme is about transforming agriculture and giving smallholder farmers the support they need to thrive. IDH is committed to making agricultural supply chains more sustainable and inclusive,” Abah stated.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Asmau Muhammad and Mr. Iliasu Saka, expressed gratitude for the support and assured the government and partners that they will use the inputs effectively.
“We are really happy. This is a great support for us,” Muhammad said. “We will make sure to use everything well so that the harvest will be good.”
Read Also: NCPWD to Implement Access to Work Scheme for PWDs
The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Kwara government to enhance food security, improve rural livelihoods, and reduce dependence on imported animal feeds, which continue to strain the local economy.