Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

05/10/2026

Kwara Govt Flags Off Distribution of 10,000 Improved Cocoa Seedlings

The Kwara State Government has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers across the State’s cocoa-producing Local Government Areas.

The seedlings, allocated to Kwara State by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), are improved planting materials capable of producing their first fruits within 18 months, making them suitable for establishing new cocoa farms and replacing ageing or less productive trees.

The Supervising Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, flagged-off the distribution at an inauguration ceremony, held in Owa Kajola, Isin Local Government Area, recently.

Mrs Thomas who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing cocoa farmers with quality planting materials.

She urged beneficiaries to adopt recommended agronomic practices and give the young plants proper care to ensure healthy growth and good yields, emphasizing that the success of the intervention would depend on how well the seedlings are managed after planting.

She said the initiative was in line with the administration Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq 's commitment to agricultural development and the State’s 10-Year Agricultural Transformation Plan, which provides a framework for strengthening crop production, market access and value-chain development.

The Commissioner further assured farmers that the State Government would continue to work with relevant institutions and farmer associations to address the needs of the cocoa sector.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mrs. Maccarthy Funmilayo Omoyemisi, commended the State Government for the initiative and called for sustained cooperation between government and farmer associations to further develop the cocoa sector.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Cocoa Industry Farmers Association of Nigeria (CIFAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mr. Oloyede Ezekiel, appreciated the State Government for the support, describing the distribution as timely for cocoa farmers.

He said the improved seedlings would help farmers renew their plantations and establish healthier trees, laying a stronger foundation for future harvests.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abolaji Kareem expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government and CRIN for the seedlings, saying the intervention would help farmers improve their farms and strengthen their livelihoods.

The event was attended by cocoa farmers from across the State’s cocoa-producing Local Government Areas, members of the Kwara State Chapters of CAN and CIFAN, and other stakeholders in the cocoa value chain.

Also on the Commissioner’s delegation were; the Director of Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajia Hafsat Hussein, and the Deputy Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed among others.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

01/08/2026

KWSG Supports 2,000 Maize Farmers With Improved Seeds, Farm Inputs, other

The Kwara State Government has supported 2,000 maize farmers with improved drought-resistant maize seeds, herbicides, pesticides, NPK and urea fertilizers, extension services and a guaranteed off-take of their produce upon harvest under a strategic partnership with Flour Mills of Nigeria.

The initiative, according to the Supervising Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, adopts a value-chain approach by supporting farmers from production through to marketing, ensuring higher productivity, increased incomes and reliable market access.

She further explained that the programme is intentionally designed to boost maize production and reinforce Kwara State's position as a leading hub for agricultural development.

As part of the initiative, the Commissioner explained that the Ministry, in partnership with Flour Mills of Nigeria, trained Agricultural Extension Officers and Heads of Department of Agriculture from the 16 Local Government Areas on the cultivation of the PAC 105 maize variety, a high-yielding, drought-resistant hybrid with strong tolerance to diseases and changing weather conditions.

She emphasized that the variety was selected for its adaptability to local conditions and its potential to deliver higher yields under varying climatic conditions.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Supervising Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the intervention reflects the commitment of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to expanding farmers' access to improved technologies, quality agricultural inputs and reliable market access.

She explained that, beyond receiving improved seeds and other production inputs, beneficiaries would benefit from continuous extension services throughout the production cycle, while the off-take arrangement with Flour Mills of Nigeria would guarantee a ready market for their produce upon harvest.

She noted that the training had equipped extension personnel with the capacity to provide timely technical guidance to farmers, ensuring the effective adoption of the improved production practices.

The Commissioner, who was represented at the training by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, added that the Ministry is prioritizing farming communities affected by banditry in the implementation of its agricultural interventions to enable farmers to return to their farms and rebuild their livelihoods.

She further disclosed that plans are underway for dry season farming to promote year-round agricultural production and reinforce food security in the state.

Mrs Thomas reaffirmed the commitment of the AbdulRazaq-led administration to implementing farmer-centred programmes and strategic partnerships that enhance productivity, improve rural livelihoods and position Kwara State as a leading hub for sustainable agricultural development.

She encouraged maize farmers to take full advantage of the initiative by embracing the improved production practices and extension services provided, noting that the success of the intervention would depend on beneficiaries applying the recommended agronomic practices and making judicious use of the inputs and extension services provided

The training, held at the Ministry's headquarters in Ilorin, was facilitated by the Value Chain Manager of Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Kolawole Amos, who took participants through agronomic requirements for the successful cultivation of the improved PAC 105 maize variety.

Beyond the classroom session, participants also took part in a practical field demonstration on recommended planting techniques, appropriate fertilizer application, plant spacing and other best agronomic practices required to achieve optimum yield.

The practical exercise equipped the Agricultural Extension Officers and Heads of Department of Agriculture with the technical knowledge required to guide farmers in the successful cultivation of the PAC 105 maize variety across their respective Local Government Areas.

28/06/2026

*DID YOU KNOW?*

Hidden within Kwara State is a 50-hectare watermelon farm supplying fresh produce to markets within the state and across Nigeria.

As Kwara continues to emerge as a major player in Nigeria's agricultural sector, the administration of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has sustained efforts to create an enabling environment for agricultural investment and commercial farming. Farms like Molete Farms reflect the growing confidence in the state's agricultural potential.

We recently visited Molete Farms to capture the story of watermelon production, from cultivation to harvest. The documentary offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the scale of the operation, the farming practices that drive productivity, and the people whose dedication is helping to strengthen Kwara's agricultural profile.

If you think you've seen it all about farming, this documentary might change your perspective. Take a few minutes to explore one of the many agricultural success stories unfolding in Kwara State.

Watch here:

In a move to commercialize the agricultural sector in the state, Kw...

08/04/2026

Kwara Govt To Empower Genuine Farmers- Agric Commissioner

Plan is afoot by the Kwara State Government in partnership with the Federal Government for a broader agricultural empowerment initiatives and agricultural support programmes for genuine farmers across the state.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, who made the disclosure while featuring on a live programme on Albarka FM today, explained that the empowerment would be in form of farm inputs, mechanisation services, financial support schemes, and loan facilities.

Dr Alabi informed that the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) account is one of the major requirements for farmers to access agricultural support programmes across Kwara State.

He further emphasized that the move by the government, forms part of the ongoing efforts by the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to strengthen agricultural systems through structured, transparent, and efficient intervention delivery.

According to him, "the BoA account now serves as a central gateway for farmers to benefit from farm inputs, mechanisation services, financial support schemes, and loan facilities, as well as broader agricultural empowerment initiatives from both Federal and State Governments aimed at boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, and enhancing food security".

He noted that compliance with this requirement will improve transparency, enhance coordination, and ensure that agricultural support reaches genuine farmers across the State.

He further warned that farmers without an active Bank of Agriculture account may unable to access certain intervention programmes.

All farmers, cooperatives, and agribusiness groups are therefore advised to complete their registration through the official Bank of Agriculture portal: https://boanig.com/

He also urged farmers to share the information widely within their communities and to seek guidance from Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension officers across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

08/04/2026

Kwara To Become Leading Export Hub- Agric Commissioner

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning the State as a leading export hub across the country.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, made this known in his office in Ilorin, today while receiving the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), delegation led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Olu Raymond Ikulajulo.

The Commissioner highlighted Kwara State’s comparative advantage in the production of export-ready crops such as soya beans, sesame seeds, cashew, and rice.

He further noted that the State had continued to consolidate its reputation in these value chains, while also intensifying efforts to address the challenge of unregulated export activities as part of a broader strategy to ensure quality control and protect the integrity and market value of the State’s produce.

He emphasized that the Ministry remains deliberate in aligning production with global standards through structured interventions, including the controlled distribution of improved inputs to farmers, which has contributed to better yield quality and consistency, while strengthening the State’s non-oil revenue potential.

In his remarks, the NEPC State Coordinator commended the Kwara State Government for its proactive measures in strengthening agricultural production systems, particularly in ensuring quality through regulated input distribution.

He expressed the Council’s readiness to work closely with the Ministry in advancing policies and initiatives that will elevate Kwara’s profile in the export market.

The Commissioner said both parties had agreed to deepen technical collaboration in areas of quality assurance, farmer sensitization, and structured market access, with a focus on aligning Kwara’s agricultural produce with international export standards.

He added that the engagement reinforces a shared commitment to building a coordinated and efficient export system that will unlock greater economic opportunities for farmers, strengthen value chains, and position Kwara State as a leading force in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector

Also speaking, the Director of Agricultural Services, Hajia Hafsat Hussein, emphasized that the Ministry has trained extension agents across all 16 Local Government Areas of the State, that can be effectively deployed to support export-oriented agricultural practices.

She noted that these agents are well-positioned to guide farmers on best practices, ensure adherence to quality standards, and facilitate the adoption of improved production techniques required for international markets.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

29/03/2026

KWARA DEEPENS PARTNERSHIP WITH OLAM AGRI TO CURB POST-HARVEST LOSSES

The Kwara State Government has taken a major step to address post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ profitability through a partnership with Olam Agri, following a meeting held on Friday in Abuja between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, and the Vice President Procurement, Olam Agri, Mr. Noel Ferrao.

In his remarks, Dr. Abolore identified post-harvest losses as a major constraint affecting farmers’ income and overall sector efficiency, stressing the need for improved storage systems within the State as a practical intervention to safeguard harvested produce and reduce avoidable waste.

He explained that the proposed activation of storage facilities will improve preservation, support aggregation of produce, and enhance farmers’ ability to access better market opportunities through improved timing and reduced pressure to sell immediately after harvest.

Also speaking, Mr. Ferrao mentioned that Olam Agri are looking to work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara State Government, Development Agencies and Financial Institutions to create a sustainable model for maize and soyabean out grower programs providing seeds and inputs to farmers as well as training on good agricultural practices and timely market access.

He further explained that Olam Agri is already in one such partnership in soyabean and planning to launch another this farming season.

Dr. Abolore appreciated the collaboration and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural support systems across the 16 Local Government Areas, noting that the intervention is expected to directly reach thousands of farmers.

The engagement reflects the Kwara State Government’s continued focus on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, deepening private sector collaboration, and improving efficiency within the agricultural system to support long-term food security and rural development.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

07/02/2026

Farmers Hail AbdulRazaq as KWSG Rolls Out Fertilizer Distribution for Dry Season Farming

The Kwara State Government has began the distribution of fertilizers to support farmers that engaged in dry season cultivation across the state with a view to strengthening the state’s drive for year-round farming.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore Alabi who flagged the distribution in Ilorin on Friday, explained that the initiative is designed to ease the burden of rising agricultural input costs.

Dr Alabi said the fertilizer distribution was carefully structured to ensure farmers remain productive despite prevailing market challenges.

He also warned against selling and diversion of the inputs, vowing that anyone found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

He noted that sustaining continuous cultivation is essential to stabilizing food availability and strengthening farmers' resilience across the state.

The Commissioner therefore, reaffirmed the present administration's commitment to practical, farmer-centred interventions that promote continuous farming, expand production capacity, and position agriculture as a key pillar of economic recovery and inclusive growth in the state.

He also reiterated the State Government's resolve to continue implementing sustainable agricultural interventions that promote rural development, economic recovery, and a resilient food system.

The State FADAMA Programme Project Coordinator, Dr. Isiaka Toyin Busari, represented by the Head of Technical, Engr. Abdulmalik Zubairu, commended the State Government for its leadership and effective collaboration, noting that the timely intervention reflects the state’s dedication to impactful programme implementation and service delivery to farmers.

One of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Mr Soliu Yahaya, had in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the state government for its sustained support to the agricultural sector.

He described the intervention as a strong motivation for farmers to intensify off-season farming, noting that improved access to fertilizers would enhance productivity and sustain livelihoods.

Farmers across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State benefited from the fertilizer distribution, which is expected to support the cultivation of key crops and contribute to improved food availability across the state.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

09/01/2026

Commissioner Expresses Grief over Death of NCAM ED, Dr. Abdulgafar Kamal

The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, has expressed deep grief over the death of the Executive Director of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Dr. Abdulgafar Kamal.

Dr. Alabi described the passing of the seasoned agricultural technocrat as a colossal loss to the nation’s agricultural sector, noting that Dr. Kamal was a committed professional whose efforts contributed meaningfully to the advancement of agricultural mechanization in Nigeria.

He acknowledged the late Dr. Kamal’s leadership at NCAM, where his expertise and dedication helped strengthen institutional capacity and promote innovation aimed at improving productivity and efficiency within the agricultural value chain.

The Commissioner commiserated with the family of the deceased, the management and staff of NCAM, as well as stakeholders across the agricultural sector, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of service and impact left behind.

He prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of the departed, grants him Al-jannah Firdaus, and gives his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

30/12/2025

Kwara Gets Major Boost In Cassava Value Chain As KWASANG Launches Processing Factory

The Kwara State Government on Monday, made a significant leap in strengthening cassava value addition and agro-processing in the state, as it commissions the Kwara State Association of Nigerians in UK (KWASANG) APEX CO-OP Cassava Value-Addition Factory in Osin Pakate, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, described the initiative as a cooperative-led programme that aligns with the state’s agricultural development priorities.

He noted with satisfaction that the project demonstrates how farmer organisations, supported by the right policies and partnerships, can drive sustainable agribusiness growth.

Dr. Alabi explained that cassava value addition plays a critical role in reducing post-harvest losses, improving product quality, and increasing farmers’ incomes, while also creating employment opportunities for youths and women.

He added that initiatives such as the KWASANG factory contribute to food security, supply of industrial raw materials, and rural economic development.

He acknowledged the partnership of the leadership of KWASANG with diaspora partners, describing their collective investment as a strong signal of confidence in cassava production and processing opportunities within the state.

The Commissioner further noted that cooperative organisation remains a key pillar in the government’s approach to inclusive agricultural development.

Dr. Alabi stated that the role of the Kwara State Government is to provide an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure development, capacity building, and strategic collaboration with cooperatives and the private sector.

He added that the progress being recorded across the cassava value chain reflects the development direction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose administration continues to prioritize agricultural transformation through strategic partnerships and investor-friendly policies.

The factory, according to the Commissioner, is expected to process cassava into products such as Gari, high-quality cassava flour, starch, and other value-added derivatives for household consumption and industrial use.

His words:"The initiative also complements ongoing efforts to strengthen the cassava value chain through improved access to inputs, extension support, and market linkages aimed at increasing productivity and profitability for farmers across the state".

In his remarks, the Chairman of KWASANG Farmers, Dr. Mustapha Tunde Salawu, appreciated the Kwara State Government for creating a supportive environment that made the project possible.

He encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly Kwarans, to look back home and invest as a way of contributing to the development of their communities, Kwara State, and the country at large.

He noted that Kwara State’s vast arable farmland and its strategic location as a gateway between the northern and southern parts of the country make it a highly attractive destination for agricultural and agribusiness investment.

Said he:"The KWASANG APEX CO-OP Cassava Value-Adding Factory, is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for cassava farmers, and stimulate economic activities within Osin Pakate and surrounding communities.

Dignitaries at the event included; the Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Amb. Garba Olayinka Agbelere; Shaykh Lukman Muktar; as well as leaders of farmer cooperatives, development partners, agribusiness stakeholders, and members of the local farming community.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

08/12/2025

Kwara Govt Sensitizes Young Farmers on Smart, Sustainable Agriculture

The Kwara State Government has demonstrated its commitment to youth-driven agricultural transformation by sensitizing young farmers on sustainable agriculture in partnership with the Young Farmers in Nigeria (YOFIN), Kwara Chapter, in a seminar on Monday at the Kwara State Library Hall, Ilorin.

The seminar which was supported by the ActionAid and other development partners, was aimed at equipping young farmers with modern tools, innovative techniques, and sustainable practices.

Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, through a speech delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, highlighted the State’s deliberate efforts to modernize agriculture. He reaffirmed the administration’s goal of creating an enabling environment, where young farmers can thrive, adopt new technologies, and transform agriculture into a profitable and sustainable enterprise. The message emphasized expanded extension services, mechanisation programmes, climate-smart practices, and strategic partnerships that promote technology-led agriculture.

Further reflecting the administration’s commitment, the Governor noted ongoing investments in rural infrastructure and value-addition initiatives, alongside reforms aimed at making agricultural processes more efficient. He encouraged young farmers to see themselves as pivotal contributors to strengthening Kwara’s food economy and urged them to maximise the knowledge gained to grow their agribusiness ventures.

The event, themed “Enhancing Kwara’s Young Farmers Through Smart and Innovative Agricultural Practices,” brought together young agripreneurs, experts, and stakeholders for deep engagement on emerging technologies and modern farming systems that enhance sustainability and productivity.

In his remarks, the Kwara State Coordinator of YOFIN, Mal. Aremu Ridwan Mayaki, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his consistent support for youth-focused development. He noted that advances in agricultural technology have redefined the sector, making it more attractive and viable for young people eager to pursue agribusiness.

A facilitator from the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Engr. Dr. Awu John Ibe, delivered a presentation that underscored the importance of innovation in transforming agriculture. He highlighted the impact of smart farming practices and the technologies that enable greater precision, efficiency, and sustainability in agricultural operations.

The training segment was anchored by Adun Green Foundation and facilitated by its Co-Founder, Mr. Olaribigbe Tajudeen. He led participants through practical sessions focused on precision farming techniques, reduction of post-harvest losses, methods for maximising yields across various farm sizes, and sustainable approaches that support market-driven agricultural growth. Participants gained practical, actionable insights to immediately enhance their productivity and agribusiness outcomes.

In attendance was the Deputy Chief Whip of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Mariam Aladi, while representatives stood in for the Commissioner for Youths Development, Ambassador Ndanusa Usman Shehu; the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas; and the Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, Hon. Abdullateef Alakawa. The event also drew the Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Mr. Musa Baba Mohammed; the Senior Special Adviser on Small Holder Farmers, Hon. Sulaiman Abdullahi Belle; a representative of Ilorin South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mojeed Podo; students from various institutions; agricultural vendors from across the State; and many other stakeholders.

The Kwara State Government commended YOFIN Kwara for its commitment to youth empowerment, acknowledged ActionAid for its partnership, and recognised the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for championing initiatives that align with the State’s agricultural development priorities. The government reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining programmes that advance innovation, youth leadership, and sustainable farming systems.

Ashaolu Omotola
Press Secretary
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development