EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘In Kwara, it’s not just about food security but eating healthy,’ says Commissioner for Agriculture

OlorunToyosi Thomas, Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, speaks in this exclusive interview with Kwara State Western Post correspondent, Mosunmola Ayobami, about the state government’s activities in agriculture and other key issues. Excerpts below.

Can you tell us about the significant achievements of the governor in the Ministry of Agriculture since your appointment as Commissioner?

I’ll start with the strategic execution of initiatives that I don’t want Kwarans to take lightly because these are game-changers for us. We have a comprehensive roadmap that aligns with four pillars of agro-business globally. This means we have a clear agricultural plan in the state, from start to finish. This year alone, we’ve carried out four successful interventions, with more to come.

We started with a special rice intervention and supported about 600,000 farmers under the NG-Cares FADAMA, a World Bank-assisted program. Through wet season farming, we provided rice, maize, and soybeans to 10,000 farmers, and we also distributed fertilizers to counteract the effects of extended drought. His Excellency has mandated that these interventions be timely, of high quality, and reach verified farmers who will make good use of them. Farmers are already testifying to the positive impact, and we’re conducting field monitoring to compare our interventions with those of other entities.

The government has successfully launched cluster farming, which is transforming agriculture in Kwara State. Cluster farming helps us streamline farming activities, attracting private partners and strengthening local agriculture. Another achievement is our work in livestock development under the L-PRES project. We’ve renovated veterinary centers, installed machines to detect animal sicknesses, and supported pasture development to address open grazing issues. The government has also provided water for livestock and residents in various communities. These are tangible outcomes of His Excellency’s administration since I took office.

How self-sufficient are Kwara farmers in food production for Kwarans?

Kwara produces a substantial amount of food, with an impressive number of agricultural clusters. Our priority now is ensuring more of what we produce stays within the state, or at least a significant portion, until we can attract more investors for processing. The SAPZ project is in development and will assist with processing, transforming agriculture in Kwara. We produce a variety of crops, including rice, beans, cassava, maize, yam, potatoes, and pepper.

The state distributed fertilizers and farm inputs to farmers a few months ago. How would you assess the impact of this?

The impact has been substantial. We improved our distribution timelines compared to previous years, with plans to enhance them further next year. About 70% of the inputs went to farmer clusters, with consideration for women, youth, and people with disabilities. The government distributed inputs directly to local governments to reduce transportation costs, making it easier for farmers and reducing the temptation to sell off inputs.

Moreover, the government provided these inputs for free, with no expectation of repayment. This is almost like a grant to the farmers, allowing them to focus on food security without financial pressures. Field monitoring shows positive results, with some farmers already beginning their harvests.

With the dry season approaching, how prepared is your ministry for dry season farming?

The ministry and Kwara State government are well-prepared. We are working on statewide irrigation plans, and some power irrigation projects are in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources. This year, we’re focusing on two locations in north and south Kwara and partnering with the Lower Niger River Basin and private entities. We anticipate a successful dry season farming phase this year.

Are there any national or international partnerships benefiting Kwara farmers?

Yes, we currently have four active partnerships, both domestic and international. For instance, we have international partners from China, who visited earlier this year to assess areas of interest and have expressed willingness to collaborate. They are set to return next month to begin operations.

What initiatives are underway in livestock development?

Livestock is a national focus, and we’re implementing the L-PRES and SAPZ projects here in Kwara. These initiatives aim to boost productivity and improve the entire livestock value chain, benefiting farmers economically. The projects also support crop production indirectly, as livestock and crop farming are interlinked.

Recently, unwholesome cow meat was confiscated by the Ministry. How will you ensure Kwarans eat healthy?

Through the L-PRES project, we focus on breed improvement, pasture development, and water resources to enhance animal nutrition and health. We have trained veterinary doctors and meat sellers in hygiene practices and provided them with proper equipment. Additionally, we’re upgrading our abattoirs to international standards, with plans to install cold storage facilities. We’ve begun at Akerebiata and will extend this upgrade to other abattoirs across the state.

What are some of the cash and food crops produced in Kwara?

Kwara is blessed with the capacity to grow nearly everything. From cash crops like cotton and cashew to food crops like cassava, maize, soybeans, beans, pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, locust beans, and shea butter trees, the state has a vast agricultural portfolio and produces excellent yields.

What is the level of women’s involvement in farming in Kwara?

Women’s involvement in agriculture is significant, and we actively support them through various programs and interventions. We have established a budget line for women in the coming year to provide them with equipment that will add value to their produce, enabling them to earn more income.

What should Kwarans expect going forward?

Kwarans can expect more improvements in agricultural support. We operate with an open-door policy and have established a Kwara help desk for people to report challenges they face. This feedback helps us tailor policies and interventions. We also aim to provide timely weather information and promote new agricultural innovations.

For our commercial farmers, who may not need financial support as much as smaller farmers do, we’re facilitating a more formal structure to support their needs and encourage them to expand under a unified platform. Kwarans should look forward to a vibrant economy driven by agriculture, where food security and nutrition are prioritized. The government is committed not only to boosting production but also to ensuring quality. Kwarans can rest assured that their health is a priority, not just the economic gains.