By Pamela Obiejesi
The Kwara State Government says it has spent N360 million in subsidising farm inputs given to farmers under the N1billion Agriculture Intervention Scheme.
This was disclosed in Ilorin the State capital on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Bamidele Adegoke while presenting seedlings and other inputs to members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
Adegoke said that the state government would also support farmers in land clearing and ploughing of about 2,500 hectares of land in different parts of the state under its Off-takers Demand Driven Agric Scheme.
He added that the state government was committed to diversifying the state’s economy by creating agro-allied jobs and provision of input for industries.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the scheme would not only empower farmers but also create jobs and facilitate rural development and that the details of beneficiaries were verified in order to ensure that farm inputs got to genuine end users in the state.
Adegoke, however, advised beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to optimally utilise the provided inputs to boost food production; in line with the resolve of the Federal Government.
Journalists recalls that the Kwara State Government had in June confirmed the receipt of N1billion agriculture loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria.