Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services, and Rural Development, has initiated the distribution of 3,500 bags of 50kg fertilizer to smallholder farmers in the four local government areas of Kwara Central Senatorial District, which he represents.
This initiative marks the first phase of a larger strategy aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the district.
Recipients of the fertilizer include members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), individual farmers, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in farming activities.
During the distribution event at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Mustapha assured that more farmers would benefit from the program in the near future. The initiative, titled “Empowering Kwara Central Farmers: Unlocking Self-Sufficiency in Food Production,” aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve crop yields for local farmers.
Mustapha highlighted the negative impacts of climate change and overcultivation on soil quality, leading to reduced crop yields. He emphasized that the 3,500 bags of fertilizer were personally purchased to empower farmers and enhance their yields.
The senator noted that distributing such a substantial amount of fertilizer reflects a significant investment in the agricultural sector and demonstrates a commitment to improving food security and supporting farmers’ livelihoods in the state.
Additionally, Mustapha took the opportunity to highlight his achievements over the past year as a legislator, including facilitating the reconstruction of a one-kilometer asphalt road opposite Al-Hikmah University leading to the Oke-Foma link road in Ilorin West local government area. He also mentioned the installation of solar-powered motorized boreholes and street lights across the four local government areas of the senatorial district to support the state government’s efforts in providing safe water access to the people.