By Sodiq Lawal
In its efforts to ensure food security in the state, the Kwara State government has empowered 4,000 farmers with free agriculture incentives. Speaking during the official flag off of the distribution of the inputs, the state’s deputy governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, said the incentives would be distributed across the 16 local government areas in the state. ”The aim of the programme is to enable farmers engage in all-year-round farming with ease”, he stated. Alabi said the state government had procured 15 tractors and provided bulldozers to clear more land for farmers to expand their businesses.
He urged beneficiaries to use the incentives for the right purpose. Also, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mallam Abdullateef Gidado-Alakawa said the support was targeted at small scale farmers to enable them to grow their businesses. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the acting coordinator of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mallam Mohammed Salihu, expressed optimism that the initiative will boost agricultural production and ensure food security in the state.