The Kogi State Government has achieved another major step in its agricultural revolution with the first successful harvest of greenhouse-grown cucumber at the Federal University, Lokoja. The project, implemented through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, is designed to boost food security, promote technology transfer for smart farming, and empower women and youths across the state.
According to reports, beneficiaries of the programme include women farmers from the Falele and Crusher communities, as well as staff and students of the institution. During Thursday’s maiden harvest, a total of 260 kilograms of cucumber was harvested. The harvest is expected to continue weekly for the next three months before another crop will be planted.
Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the farm to supervise the harvest were the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Olusegun Joseph, and the State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto, OON. The project is currently being implemented in the three senatorial zones of the state, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the success of the greenhouse project reflects Governor Ododo’s commitment to tackling food inflation, promoting food security, and achieving sustainable prosperity for the people of Kogi State.
“Our women and youths are now at the forefront of Kogi’s agricultural revolution,” he said. “Through ACReSAL, thousands of farmers are being empowered across the state, and Kogi is fast becoming a model of agricultural resilience and productivity. We didn’t just go to Lagos to sign the Food For Lagos Partnership just for the television flashes. We are back home to walk our talk and become the noiseless food basket of Nigeria,” he added.
Fanwo further stated that the ongoing agricultural revolution in Kogi State under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises supporting states to produce what Nigerians eat and eat what Nigerians produce.
“Mr. President has empowered the state and energised the agricultural sector with his policies and support. We’re only responding by ensuring farmers benefit directly and by expanding our value chain in the sector as a state. We’re grateful to Mr. President for sparking a revolution in the nation’s agricultural sector,” he said.