A wave of optimism swept through the agricultural community in Kwara State yesterday as the state government, through the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, officially flagged off the distribution of tractors and essential agricultural inputs to farmers. The landmark event took place at the open field of the Kwara State Government House, with the Chief Host, His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, leading the proceedings.
The distribution exercise underscores the Kwara State Government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state. ACReSAL, a project designed to address the challenges of land degradation and climate change in Northern Nigeria, is playing a pivotal role in equipping Kwara farmers with the tools and resources needed for modern and climate-smart agriculture.
The atmosphere at the Government House was charged with anticipation as farmers from various Local Government Areas gathered to witness the flag-off. The array of brand-new tractors lined up on the field served as a powerful symbol of the government’s investment in the agricultural sector. Alongside the tractors, a significant quantity of high-quality agricultural inputs, including improved seedlings, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, were also ready for distribution.
In his address, Governor Abdulrazaq reiterated his administration’s unwavering focus on transforming the agricultural landscape of Kwara State. He emphasized the crucial role of farmers in the state’s economy and assured them of continued support through initiatives like ACReSAL. The Governor highlighted that the provision of tractors would significantly reduce the burden of manual labor, increase farm efficiency, and ultimately lead to higher yields. He also stressed the importance of utilizing the distributed inputs judiciously to maximize their impact on crop production.
The ACReSAL project coordinator in Kwara State provided an overview of the project’s objectives and its commitment to building the resilience of agricultural communities to climate variability and land degradation. He explained that the selection of beneficiaries for the tractors and inputs was carried out transparently, ensuring that they reach genuine farmers who will utilize them effectively.
Farmers who spoke at the event expressed their profound gratitude to the Kwara State Government and the ACReSAL project for the timely intervention. They acknowledged that the provision of tractors and inputs would be a game-changer for their farming operations, enabling them to cultivate larger farmlands, adopt modern farming techniques, and ultimately improve their incomes.
The flag-off ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of tractor keys and input packages to selected farmer representatives from different zones across the state. This gesture marked the official commencement of the distribution process, which is expected to continue in the coming days and weeks to reach a wider range of farmers in Kwara State.
This initiative by the Kwara State Government, through the ACReSAL project, represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security in the state. By empowering farmers with modern equipment and essential inputs, Kwara State is paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector.
