…Governor AbdulRazaq Prioritizes Sustainable Farming for Food Security and Economic Growth
The Kwara State Government has once again called on farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural technologies to improve productivity and mitigate losses caused by unpredictable weather patterns. This charge was given by the Project Coordinator of the Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Project, Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, during a workshop for Women’s Agricultural Cooperatives and Women’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on climate-smart agricultural practices. The event was held in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area as part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable farming across the state.
Dr. Busari emphasized that many of the losses suffered by farmers today result from noncompliance with modern, climate-adaptive agricultural techniques. He stated that the government is intensifying awareness campaigns to ensure that Kwara farmers adopt sustainable farming methods to avert losses and increase food production.
He further explained that the timing of the workshop was strategic, as the planting season is fast approaching. “This initiative is a crucial part of the SAPZ program, and farmers must apply the knowledge gained here to boost their productivity,” he said.
The SAPZ Coordinator also warned against environmentally harmful practices such as bush burning, overgrazing, and deforestation, which contribute to soil degradation, reduced crop yields, and climate change-related agricultural challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Femi Yusuf, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his grassroots approach to governance and dedication to farmers’ welfare. He praised the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion in agriculture, noting that such initiatives empower women to play active roles in the state’s agricultural value chain.
“The passion of this administration for inclusive and sustainable agriculture is commendable. Ifelodun Local Government is fully prepared to leverage this initiative to improve food security and economic development,” Yusuf stated.
The resource person for the workshop, Mr. Gbadebo Elebiyo, advised farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns by using drought-resistant seeds and improving livestock breeds with local varieties. He stressed that climate change is altering traditional farming cycles, making it essential for farmers to embrace new techniques that ensure resilience and profitability.
The workshop drew participation from key agricultural stakeholders, including Hon. Abdulganiyu Folabi Salahu, a member representing Omupo Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), Mekunu Peoples Forum, and other agricultural groups.
With this initiative, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration continues to champion innovative agricultural solutions to boost food security, increase farmers’ earnings, and sustain Kwara’s agricultural economy. The SAPZ program remains a key pillar of this strategy, equipping farmers with the necessary tools to adapt to climate change and maximize productivity.
