Kogi L-PRES distributes inputs to farmers

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project has distributed pasture farming inputs and equipment to 500 farmers from 50 clusters across the state.

State Projects Coordinator (SPC), Abdulkabir Otaru, disclosed this during a stakeholder engagement and contribution distribution exercise in Lokoja on Friday.

He was represented by the L-PRES animal husbandry manager, Mr. Adeniyi Oloninis.

Otaru described the program as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to transform livestock production and strengthen farmers’ resilience.

He noted that the livestock sector remains vital to Nigeria’s agricultural development and economic growth, contributing to food and nutrition security, employment and rural livelihoods.

Otaru identified key challenges facing the sector, including inadequate rangeland development, seasonal feed shortages, climate pressures, low productivity and resource-based conflicts.

However, he said the Kogi L-PRES project, supported by the Federal Government and the World Bank, is implementing strategic interventions to improve the productivity, resilience and sustainability of the sector.

He said the beneficiaries, drawn from the 21 local government areas of the State, will receive grazing seeds, organic fertilizers, backpack sprayers, forage harvesters and technical support services aimed at improving pasture establishment, management and value addition.

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Otaru described the inputs as an investment in the productivity, sustainability and future of livestock development in the state.

He highlighted the need for collaboration between government, development partners, farmers, traditional institutions and the private sector to achieve sustainable livestock growth.

The coordinator commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his commitment to agricultural transformation, particularly in the livestock sector.

He also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Livestock Development, the National Project Coordination Office, the World Bank and the implementation teams.

“We continue to strengthen our partnership and collective commitment towards building a modern, resilient, peaceful and economically sustainable livestock sector for the benefit of our people and future generations,” he said.

Otaru urged beneficiaries to use inputs effectively, stressing that success would be measured by improved pasture availability, higher productivity and higher farmers’ incomes.

The Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi, also said the intervention demonstrates government’s commitment to rural communities.

“I am a farmer myself and I understand the value of what has been done here. We will ensure that the items distributed are used judiciously,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in the state, Dr. George Ogirima, commended the governor for prioritizing agriculture, noting that Kogi was among the first states to domesticate the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“Under Governor Ododo, Kogi is making progress in the field of agriculture. We expect results, not excuses. Beneficiaries should make good use of inputs and provide feedback to enable expansion of the project,” he said.

The head of the project’s financial management unit, Malam Aliyu Abdulazuz, described the deployment as a significant investment and called for accountability through proper use and regular reporting on progress.

Some beneficiaries also praised the state and federal governments, noting that the inputs would increase rangeland production, improve livestock nutrition and improve their livelihoods.

(NAN)

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