Some of the newly tractors commissioned by the Kwara State Government
By LEKAN AGBOOLA, Ilorin-
The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Wednesday commissioned 15 new tractors and several modern farming implements, which would enhance the mechanisation component of the recently launched state agricultural transformation plan.
The Governor AbdulRazaq said the whole focus of the transformation plan is “to achieve food security, sustainable growth, and create jobs”.
“This is just the first in the series of our mechanisation initiative. We would be acquiring more tractors and other sophisticated equipments like combined harvesters, planters, boom sprayer and others to support our farmers and boost production. This will totally transform the way crop production is carried out in Kwara state, and ensure that mechanisation becomes the norm for all farmers in the state.” The Governor said.
He said that the mechanisation is key for the success of the crop production pillar of the state’s agricultural blueprint and that the administration had kick-started the implementation with the recent flag off of farm inputs subsidy scheme which gave at least 10,000 farmers access to improved seedlings, fertilisers and chemicals at half the market price.
On his part, The Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Salihu, pointed out that the administration since its inception has committed so much resources to support small scale farming.
“Our farmers at the grassroots can tell the difference and we are really grateful to the Governor for the efforts,” he said.
Also, The Permanent Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajia Maryam Nurudeen explained that the administration procured the cost-efficient and adaptable machineries to enhance the mechanisation programme with a view to advancing commercial agriculture in the state.
“Today’s event marks the beginning of the second phase of the implementation of the State’s Agricultural Transformation Plan which is coming two weeks after the flag off of the Agricultural Input Subsidy Scheme. This programme could not have come at a better time when the rains are beginning to establish and our farmers are returning to their various farms in readiness for preparation,” he said.
Hajia Nurudeen assured that small scale farmers would reap the benefits of mechanised farming to scale up food production in the state with huge effect on efficiency of farmers as well as the quality and quantity of their produce.
Representatives of All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Alhaji Mahmud Bello said: “All your administration’s supports are helpful to farming activities in the state. We are grateful for your numerous interventions in the sector”.
Other dignitaries, who attended the event include: The Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu; the Grand Kadi of the State Shariah Courts of Appeal Hon. Justice Mohammed Ola Abdulkadir who stood in for the chief judge; House of Assembly members; cabinet members; and top APC chieftains led by caretaker chairman Abdullahi Samari”.