…Says initiative will strengthen agricultural value chain, improve farmers’ access to buyers
The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen the state’s agricultural value chain through the construction of modern agro-markets and the development of rural access roads linking farming communities to markets.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the initiative is aimed at creating an efficient system that connects farmers to buyers while improving the movement and marketing of agricultural produce across the state.
Fanwo said the development of modern rural markets is a key part of the administration’s broader agricultural strategy, explaining that increased production must be matched with efficient access to markets if farmers are to derive greater value from their efforts.
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“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is committed to making Kogi a leading agricultural production hub and strengthening the state’s position as a major food basket of the nation. To achieve this, we must support our farmers from the point of production to the point of sale.
“This is why the State Government is investing in rural access roads and modern agro-markets that will connect farming communities to buyers, improve the movement of farm produce and create a more efficient agricultural value chain.”
The Commissioner said the State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is building modern markets across the state under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with the project at Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area serving as one of the examples of the ongoing intervention.
“The State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is building modern markets across the state under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project. The market at Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area is one of such projects.
“We are happy with the pace of work there, and the line Ministries are also doing a wonderful job of providing oversight to ensure that the project delivers the intended benefits to our rural communities.”
Fanwo explained that the modern agro-markets are designed to provide conducive meeting points for farmers, traders and buyers, thereby making it easier to aggregate, display and sell farm produce.
He added that the construction of rural access roads to farm settlements was equally critical to the success of the initiative, as good roads would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from farms to the newly developed market hubs.
According to him, the combined investment in rural roads and modern markets demonstrates the Ododo Administration’s understanding that agricultural development requires an integrated approach that supports farmers throughout the production and marketing process.
He also commended the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area for creating an enabling and secure environment for the smooth execution of the Ayegunle Bunu project.
“Let me also commend the Executive Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area for providing an enabling and secure environment for the contractor to do a beautiful job.
“What we have in Kogi State is a government for the rural people.”
The Commissioner said the projects would contribute to stronger rural economies by improving market access, encouraging agricultural production and creating better opportunities for farmers and other participants in the agricultural value chain across Kogi State.
