The Kwara State Government has begun distributing agricultural inputs to farmers as part of a major initiative to boost grain production and reduce conflict between farmers and herders.
The distribution exercise was launched in Apata Alaje, Banni community in Kaiama Local Government Area, through a partnership between the state Ministry of Livestock Development, Arzikin Noma, and international development partner IDH.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the project focuses on cultivating sorghum and soybean—key grains for animal feed production.
“This partnership is timely and purposeful. It targets both human and animal food needs, with a strong emphasis on producing animal feed to support the modernization and commercialization of livestock farming,” she stated.
She explained that food scarcity is a major driver of recurring farmer-herder conflicts and that increased grain production could play a vital role in resolving tensions.
The commissioner added that the initiative aligns with the broader goals of the state government to promote industrialization and value addition.
“We aim to ensure that what is produced in Kwara is processed within the state, creating industries and jobs,” she said.
According to her, the items being distributed include 18,000 bags of fertilizer, 6,000 litres each of three different agricultural chemicals, 75 metric tonnes of sorghum seed, and 100 metric tonnes of soybean seed.
