PRESS RELEASE
The Federal Government has named Kwara as the most agriculturally developed state in the federation in view of the robust agricultural transformation recorded in the state.
The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Doctor Akinwumi Adesina, represented by Mr. James Awoniyi stated this in shonga in Edu local Government Area of the state during the Roll-Out of the Federal Government Agricultural Transformation Agenda on cassava value chain in the state.
The Minister in his message to the event said the Agriculture Transformation programmes of the present administration in the state have favorably placed the state at a vantage point in the country and across the globe.
He disclosed further that under the growth enhancement support programme, cassava farmers in the state would be given fifteen bundles of high yielding cassava varieties free of charge to improve farmer’s productive capacity and transform their economonic fortunes.
Dr. Adesina however urged farmers in the state to optimally utilize the opportunities offered by the state and the Federal government in effort to galvanize the agric sector in order to engender the desired results.
In his address the state Governor Alhaji AbdulFatai Ahmed, represented by his deputy, Elder Peter Kisira commended the Federal Government for the various initiative aimed at revitalizing agriculture and for recognizing the state’s contribution to agricultural transformation.
Governor Ahmed also assured of his administration commitment to not only drive agriculture transformation in the country but to expand the vast agricultural potential that abound in the state.
He therefore called on farmers to take active part in the programme in order to benefit maximally from the expected prosperity to be heralded by the government.
Earlier in his welcome address the state commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resourses, Mr. Bode Olayemi assured of the state commitment to the successful implement action of the federal Government initiatives in the state.
Mr. Olayemi also disclosed that necessary input such as cassava cuttings, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides as well as other support facilities for successful farming exercise would be available at fifty percent discount.
High point of the event was the distribution of the high yielding cassava stem to cassava growers’ association representatives from the sixteen local government areas of the state by the representative of the Minister, Mr. James Awoniyi and the state commissioner for Agriculture and the state commissioner for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Mr. Bode Olayemi.
There was also the symbolic planting of the cassava stem by the state Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira and the state House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Alhaji Gana Isah, which was followed by the distribution of cassava based UTC Breads, Biscuits, cakes and gala snacks to the participants.
The event was attended by members of the state executive council, House of Assembly members, Traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor,
(Media and Communication),
Government House,
Ilorin.