…as farmers seek tractors, fertilisers, processing centres
By Ojotule Romanus
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has announced significant progress toward the take-off of the proposed Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, SAPZ, in Kogi State, saying the initiative would transform agriculture, attract investments and create jobs when fully operational.
The Governor also called for increased budgetary allocation to agriculture and directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojoma, to prepare a comprehensive proposal addressing the needs of the sector for consideration by the State Executive Council.
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Ododo made the disclosure during an interface with the Kogi State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), at Government House, Lokoja.
He said Kogi has fulfilled most of the requirements for the SAPZ project and is now awaiting approval by the Board of the African Development Bank, AfDB, expressing optimism that the approval would be secured soon.
He described the processing zone as a strategic intervention that would move the state beyond production of raw agricultural commodities to processing, value addition and agro-industrial development.
According to him, the initiative would reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ earnings, stimulate industrial activities and open up new investment and employment opportunities.
The Governor urged farmers across the state to increase food production in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of achieving national food sufficiency, stressing the need to embrace the principle of producing what the country consumes and consuming what it produces.
He commended AFAN for its contributions to agricultural development and described farmers as indispensable partners in the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth.
Ododo also praised farmers in Kogi for embracing his administration’s agricultural agenda, noting that their commitment to increased production was critical to fulfilling his campaign promises on food security, economic empowerment and rural development.
On security, he said improved farming opportunities and economic empowerment of rural communities were essential to sustaining peace and stability, noting that agricultural development and security are closely interconnected.
He described Kogi as a major rice-producing state and encouraged farmers to improve both the quality and quantity of their produce.
The Governor emphasised the importance of reliable agricultural data, commending AFAN for maintaining one of the most comprehensive databases among organised associations in the country, but urged the association to ensure the data is effectively deployed to guide planning, government interventions and support programmes.
On mechanisation, Ododo assured farmers that his administration was intensifying efforts to improve access to tractors and other modern farming equipment to expand cultivated farmland, reduce manual labour and increase productivity.
He added that an efficient transportation network would be critical to the success of the processing zone and the state’s ambition to attract investors into commercial agriculture and agro-industrial businesses.
According to him, agriculture deserves greater financial attention because of its capacity to generate employment, improve household incomes, strengthen food security and stimulate economic activities, particularly in rural areas.
Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, commended the Governor for prioritising agriculture and introducing interventions to improve farming activities across the state.
Ojomah stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between government and agricultural stakeholders, noting that the success of government policies depends largely on active participation of farmers. He also pledged to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In his remarks, Kogi State Chairman of AFAN, Alhaji Musa Raji, appreciated the Governor for providing farmers a direct platform to communicate their challenges and expectations.
While acknowledging the administration’s commitment, Raji appealed for more tractors and power tillers to enable farmers cultivate larger portions of land and improve productivity.
He also requested improved mobility for agricultural extension personnel to access remote farming communities, as well as increased supply of fertilisers, improved seedlings and other essential inputs.
The AFAN chairman further called for stronger extension services to provide regular technical guidance and modern farming knowledge, and urged the state government to establish more agricultural processing centres to promote value addition, reduce post-harvest losses and improve incomes.
Also speaking, the State Woman Leader, Mrs. Esther Audu, appreciated Ododo for recognising the contributions of farmers, particularly women, and for providing a platform for direct engagement with government.
