ibironkeeniola 
The Kwara State Government has unveiled a 10-year agricultural transformation plan, designed to make the state food sufficient by 2030.
The plan, according to the state government, will capture significant aspects of the agricultural value chain and also create job opportunities and alleviate poverty.
Speaking at the launch of the document in Ilorin, the state capital, Kwara State Governor, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman disclosed that the state will soon pump N2 billion into the agricultural sector and also strengthen partnership with stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
“It is a 10-year plan which is based on verifiable data gathered from field research and extensive consultations with various stakeholders and experts in the sector.
“The plan spells out the opportunities and challenges in the agricultural sector in the state, and identifies six pillars that are critical to the success of the plan”.
According to Abdulrahman, plans are in motion to kick-off the state’s agricultural agenda, stating the government was working in tandem with viable partners to bring its food sufficiency project to light.
“We are working to ink an agreement with the Lagos State Government on food production and, in partnership with NEPAD, Kwara would also be investing about N2 billion in the agricultural sector.
“The partnership with NEPAD will be anchored by the department of agriculture at Kwara State University, which will be at Ilesha Baruba.
“This administration will conclude the construction of the Ilesha Baruba campus. The campus has extensive land which I have visited.
“This week, I met the French Ambassador to Nigeria who has agreed to send a team to Kwara State. He is particularly interested in the agricultural sector, most especially the livestock sector,” the governor said.
On his part, the State’s Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Umar Aboki lauded the government for engaging farmers in the new policy framework and also expressed confidence in the capacity of the present administration to successfully implement the project.
“The governor’s words can be taken to the bank. We have absolute confidence in your leadership because of what you have demonstrated not only in agriculture but virtually all spheres of the economy.
All farmers are following the trends of events and are very happy with your laudable programmes and projects,” he assured.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA