The Kwara State government has expressed its determination to partner with civil society organisations in agriculture to enhance agricultural production and ensure food sufficiency.
During a consultative meeting on the 2025 Kwara State Agriculture sector budget, organized by the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE) in collaboration with the BUDGET Committee Group (BCG), the Smallscale Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MPED), the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasized the crucial roles of farmers, policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners in creating a secure food system.
Mrs. Thomas noted that the meeting was not just about crafting policies or allocating funds but about collaboration, bringing together ideas, knowledge, and expertise to ensure the budget aligns with the real needs of Kwara’s agricultural sector.
She added, “Only through collective wisdom and commitment can the challenges that still exist be turned into opportunities. Together, we can shape the 2025 budget into a tool for true transformation, ensuring that every farmer and every community feels the impact of progress.”
The Commissioner also encouraged women farmers to share knowledge and information on backyard farming, highlighting its benefits as an organic, healthier practice capable of combating food insecurity.
Mrs. Thomas mentioned that the state government has made strides in agriculture through training, input distribution, and youth and farmer empowerment. She expressed optimism that through SUPIA, “we can build on the successes achieved so far.”
“Every investment in the next agriculture budget for 2025 must be deliberate. Everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring that the 2025 budget meets the agricultural needs of every stakeholder,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of CCEPE, Mallam Abdurrahman Ayuba, stated that one of the objectives of the meeting was to transition from rain-fed agriculture to all-year-round agriculture in the state.
ALSO READ:Sightsavers commissions artwork to amplify global disability rights
Ayuba called on the government to assist farmers, especially women farmers, with irrigation systems. He noted that the consultative meeting aimed to support the Ministry of Agriculture on measures to ensure that over 95% of farmers’ needs are met.
Additionally, Ayuba highlighted that the meeting sought to align agricultural production with the required standards to facilitate acceptable exportation of agricultural produce and feed the populace.
Members of the women farmers’ group, under the aegis of the Smallholder Women Farmers of Nigeria (SWOFON), requested the state government to organize training on backyard farming, provide irrigation system support, and supply modern agricultural tools and equipment.
