Kwara State Signs Agreement With Firm To Promote Soybean, Maize Farming

Kwara State Signs Agreement With Firm To Promote Soybean, Maize FarmingThe Kwara State Government has expressed its openness to partnerships with non-governmental organizations and agricultural stakeholders who share its commitment to developing the agricultural value chain in the state. The government is currently working with Olam, a leading agriculture firm, in the areas of farmland allocation and training extension workers, with a focus on enhancing the production of soybeans and maize, as well as promoting food security and nutrition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, made the announcement during a working visit to Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area, on Thursday. In a statement by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Ashaolu Omotola, Thomas highlighted the ongoing collaboration, which includes the provision of 100 hectares of land and seedlings to improve access to high-quality inputs and boost productivity.

“The main goal of this partnership is to enhance productivity in both quality and quantity within the soybean value chain,” Thomas explained during the visit to the Palace of Emir of Okuta, Abubakar Sero. “Olam is set to open a soybean oil processing plant in Asa Local Government, thanks to the support of His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who ensured that the plant was situated within Kwara to facilitate easy processing. The state government has also expedited land documentation and other processes to aid the project.”

The Commissioner further emphasized that Kwara’s fertile land makes it an ideal location for a soybean oil processing plant, noting that over 150,000 hectares in the state are already dedicated to soybean cultivation. “We will continue supporting our extension workers to ensure our farmers are equipped with the latest technological insights to improve their yields,” Thomas added.

Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Idris Sero, praised the Governor for his commitment to supporting local farmers. He noted that agriculture is the primary livelihood of the people of Baruten and thanked the government for focusing on grassroots development. “His Excellency has shown that he cares about us as farmers, and that means a lot. We are fully behind this project,” the Emir said.

Sero also commended the appointment of Oloruntoyosi Thomas as the Commissioner for Agriculture, describing her as a passionate and effective leader who is dedicated to improving the agricultural sector. “Our land is becoming less fertile due to over-farming, so this support to help farmers achieve better yields is truly appreciated,” he added.

Amit Mathur, Manager at Olam Agric, explained that the program would empower farmers with essential resources such as soybeans processing machines, technical expertise, and quality seedlings. He also mentioned that Olam would buy the harvest directly from farmers for soybean oil production.

Madubu Muhammad, General Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Baruten Local Government Area, also praised the initiative. He noted that it would significantly boost soybean production in the region and position Baruten as one of Kwara’s top soybean-producing areas.

The delegation also visited Gwane Village, where the community head, Alhaji Daro Umar, expressed appreciation for the government’s agricultural initiatives and the positive impact they are having on the local farming community.

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