By Faridat Salifu
The Kwara State government has launched a fertiliser distribution drive to support farmers engaged in dry season farming, reinforcing efforts to ensure year-round agricultural production.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Afees Alabi, said the initiative, which kicked off in Ilorin on Saturday, is aimed at easing the burden of rising input costs and sustaining farmer productivity despite market challenges.
He warned beneficiaries against selling or diverting the fertiliser, stressing that violations would attract legal sanctions.
Alabi highlighted that continuous farming is vital to stabilising food supply and strengthening the resilience of farmers across the state.
“The present administration is committed to practical, farmer-centred interventions that expand production capacity and position agriculture as a key driver of economic recovery and inclusive growth,” he said.
The FADAMA programme project coordinator in the state, Isiaka Busari, represented by FADAMA’s head of technical, Abdulmalik Zubairu, commended the government for its leadership and timely support, describing the intervention as a demonstration of effective programme implementation and service delivery to farmers.
One of the beneficiaries, Soliu Yahaya, said the fertiliser distribution would motivate farmers to intensify off-season cultivation, improve productivity, and sustain livelihoods.
Farmers across all 16 local government areas of the state benefited from the exercise, which is expected to support the cultivation of key crops and enhance food statewide food availability.
