Kwara lawmaker distributes N1.5 billion worth of farming materials

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The senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs worth over N1.5bn to thousands of smallholder farmers across Kwara State, under the Renewed Hope Farmers Support Scheme.

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The intervention, aimed at boosting food production and supporting the Federal Government’s food security agenda, will benefit farmers and agricultural groups across the Kwara Central Senatorial District.

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Items distributed include 5,000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 2,500 bags of urea, 1,000 knapsack sprayers, 250 power tillers, 500 water pumps and other farming implements designed to enhance agricultural productivity.

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Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, Mustapha, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, said the initiative was part of efforts to empower farmers, increase crop yields and strengthen food security across the country.

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He urged beneficiaries to ensure the inputs were put to productive use during the current farming season.

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“This intervention is designed to improve agricultural productivity and support the Federal Government’s food security drive.

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“I urge all beneficiaries to make effective use of these inputs to boost food production during this farming season,” the senator said.

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Mustapha noted that supporting smallholder farmers remains one of the most effective ways of addressing rising food prices, improving rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable agricultural development.

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According to him, the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which prioritises food sufficiency and economic empowerment through agriculture.

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Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Kwara State, Shuaibu Salman, described the intervention as timely, saying it would significantly improve farming activities and increase food production in the state.

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“This support has come at the right time. It will improve the productivity of farmers and encourage many more people to engage in agriculture,” Salman said.

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Similarly, the Kwara State Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mallam Soliu Mohammed, commended Mustapha for the initiative, describing it as another demonstration of his commitment to agricultural development and the welfare of farmers.

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“The senator has consistently shown his commitment to the development of agriculture in Kwara State.

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“These inputs will go a long way in supporting farmers and improving rice production,” Mohammed said.

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The beneficiaries pledged to utilise the farm inputs judiciously to maximise output and contribute to efforts aimed at achieving food security in the state and across the country.

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