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Senator Saliu Mustapha Distributes 3,500 Fertilizers, 1,000 Water Pumping Machines To Kwara Central Farmers
Agriculture serves as the bedrock of all forms of development in any society, regardless of its size.
Ilorin, Kwara State – Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has distributed 3,500 fertilizers and 1,000 water pumping machines to farmers across the four local government areas within his constituency.
The initiative was officially launched at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Mustapha, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services, and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of empowering farmers with essential resources.
“Providing fertilizers to farmers enables them to produce thousands of bags of rice, rather than just distributing single bags to people,” he stated.
“Our efforts today complement the good work of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, aiming to improve food production and reduce reliance on palliatives.”
He noted that the initiative is the first stage, developed in consultation with state farmer associations, and stressed the importance of using the resources effectively to achieve self-sustainability.
Mustapha said they meticulously selected genuine farmers to ensure the resources reached those in genuine need. He also announced the implementation of a feedback mechanism to monitor the progress and further support the farmers’ needs.
He, however, urged the farmer to make good use of the equipment to improve production for self-sustainability.
While speaking at the event, Alhaji AbdulMumeen AbdulMaliki, the President of the Ilorin Emirate, stated that the senator has been a generous man even before he was elected as a senator.
He lauded Mustapha’s generosity and timely intervention, especially during a period of economic instability marked by soaring food prices.
He urged farmers to utilize the equipment judiciously.
Similarly, Alhaji Hammed Ayodele Adebayo, the Chairman of the Fertilizers Distribution Committee for Farmers across the four Local Government Areas of Kwara Central Senatorial District, disclosed that agriculture serves as the bedrock of all forms of development in any society, regardless of its size.
According to the chairman of the committee, no society can truly develop without dedicating sincere attention to agriculture.
He added that most of the developed nations today have their roots deeply embedded in agriculture.
“Recognizing this reality, our distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha priorities agriculture to ensure that our local farmers were able to get incentives and farm implements freely as a way to support them towards ensuring food security and bumper harvest,” he said
Engineer Abubakar Rasheed, Chairman of the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) in Ilorin, affirmed that Mustapha’s efforts represent farmers’ interests at the national level.
He further explained that NCAM would provide an additional 100 applicators to support Kwara Central farmers.
Mr Rasheed emphasized the need for fertilizers and pumping machines, particularly in response to climate change.
He urged all beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment so that Kwara State can become a food basket for the country.