Bukola Saraki Outlines Plans to Boost Agriculture in Kwara

Former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture in Kwara State and alleviating challenges faced by local farmers.

Through the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation, Saraki has launched an agricultural empowerment project in the Kwara North Senatorial District, which began on Monday, August 26, 2024. The initiative is set to directly benefit 986 farmers, with over 2,500 secondary beneficiaries across Kwara North.

During the project’s flag-off, the North Central Regional Director of the ABS Foundation, Mallam Musa Aliyu, explained that the distribution initially targeted beneficiaries from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) but has since been extended to include all farmers in Kwara North, regardless of political affiliation.

Aliyu stated that the project aims to provide low-income farmers with essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and herbicides, to enhance crop yields for the 2024 farming season. The broader objectives include improving food security and increasing farmers' incomes by boosting average crop yields.

He emphasized that the inputs supplied by the foundation would also address public health challenges like malnutrition and poor diets. Aliyu expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback already received from beneficiaries, highlighting the impact of the initiative.

For instance, the Agbesowapo Farmers' Association of Moro LGA expressed their deep gratitude for the support, with Chairman Aremu Abdulfatai A. thanking the foundation for its efforts and hoping for continued assistance.

Similarly, Hammada Balkis Motunrayo, representing the National Women Society Council in Moro LGA, thanked the foundation on behalf of women farmers in the Kwara North Senatorial District. She urged the beneficiaries to use the inputs wisely rather than reselling them.

Aliyu assured that the ABS Foundation would continue to monitor the project's progress and provide follow-up support to ensure its success and sustainability.