The Kwara State Government has officially commenced the distribution of fertilisers to farmers engaged in dry-season farming across the state, in a bid to stimulate year-round agricultural production and enhance food security for communities throughout the region.
The programme was formally flagged off on Friday in Ilorin by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Afees Abolore Alabi, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting farmers in the face of rising agricultural input costs.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Ashaolu Omotola, Alabi explained that the intervention is “designed to cushion the impact of rising agricultural input costs on farmers and ensure sustained productivity.”
He further noted that the fertiliser distribution has been deliberately structured to support farmers despite prevailing market challenges, stressing that the continuation of cultivation activities was critical for stabilising food availability and strengthening farmers’ resilience across the state.
However, the commissioner offered a stern reminder to beneficiaries regarding the intended use of the inputs. “I want to sound a note of warning that these inputs are not for sale, and anyone found wanting will be prosecuted in line with the laws of the land,” Alabi cautioned, emphasising the legal consequences for those who divert or sell the subsidised fertiliser instead of applying it on their farms.
Alabi also took the opportunity to reaffirm the administration’s dedication to farmer-centred policies that promote continuous farming, expand production capacity, and position agriculture as a key pillar of economic recovery and inclusive growth in Kwara State.
In his remarks during the event, the State FADAMA Programme Project Coordinator, Isiaka Toyin Busari, represented by the Head of Technical, Abdulmalik Zubairu, commended the state government for its leadership and collaborative approach. “The timely intervention reflects the state’s dedication to impactful programme implementation and service delivery to farmers,” Zubairu said, affirming the partnership between government agencies and farming communities.
The initiative has already drawn praise from recipients on the ground. One beneficiary, Soliu Yahaya, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the state government, describing the fertiliser distribution as “a major boost for off-season farming.” Yahaya noted that improved access to essential inputs would enhance productivity and contribute significantly to sustaining farmers’ livelihoods across the state.
It was reported that farmers from all 16 local government areas of Kwara State benefited from the distribution, which is expected to support the cultivation of key crops and improve food availability throughout the dry season.
