Lokoja (Nigeria): Mr James Faleke (APC-Lagos) has provided agricultural inputs and training support worth N150 million to farmers in Kogi.
The lawmaker, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the support is aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and efficiency.
Dr Tunde Arosanyin, a consultant to Faleke’s agricultural project, disclosed this on Saturday during the training and distribution of inputs to farmers in Lokoja.
He said the initiative is in collaboration with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Lagos, and Bright-tech Resources Limited.
Arosanyin noted that the project, which began in June this year, targets farmers across Kogi’s three senatorial districts to help them recover from losses caused by the recent fall in food prices.
He said the initiative provided farmers with essential inputs, including sprayers, herbicides, seeds, liquid organic fertiliser, cash assistance, and other resources.
Beneficiaries also received training to build capacity in value chains such as cassava and fisheries.
“A total of 165 farmers across the three senatorial districts will benefit from the programme.
“The project includes demonstration farms, with over 150 hectares of land cleared and prepared for farming, and motorised boreholes provided in some locations,” Arosanyin said.
He explained that while President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reduce food prices have benefited consumers, farmers have struggled to sell their produce at a profit.
Faleke’s intervention is intended to address this challenge and support farmers in the state.
“The project offers training on best agronomic practices, cash support, and demonstration farms to provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge.
“By providing essential inputs and training, it aims to help farmers recover from losses and improve their livelihoods,” Arosanyin added.
A beneficiary, Mr Mohammed Haruna from Lokoja Local Government, commended the training, saying it has broadened their knowledge of best practices in cassava and fisheries value chains.
He thanked Faleke for the support, noting that it has improved the well-being and livelihoods of farmers in Kogi.
