… as agric ministry commences verification of farmers’ data.

By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

All is set for the official flag-off and distribution of farm inputs to both the rice and maize farmers across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, dropped the hint during a working visit to some of the farm cluster groups in Edu Local Government Area.

Mrs. Thomas reiterated the state government’s determination to consistently work with the real farmers in the State to ensure sufficiency in food production and to also expand the revenue base of the State.

The Commissioner, who was in the company of officers of the Ministry and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Harvest Value Chain, Mr. Charles Adetola, disclosed that the team was on a verification mission to ascertain the number of captured farmers for the 2024 wet season farming.

“The present government is intentional about working with real farmers only, we are back again to verify the farmers that have been captured in the list, we have our partner from Harvest Value Chain Limited, they are private sector and are on the field to verify farmers’ details with a view to providing meaningful intervention to our farmers”, the Commissioner explained.

In his remarks, the CEO, Harvest Value Chain Limited, Mr. Charles Adetola, lauded the state government for the opportunity given to his company, adding that the process would give equal opportunity to the targeted beneficiaries.

Explaining the process further, Adetola said they started the process by ensuring collection of data base of all farmers, including Names, BVN, and Phone Numbers, pointing out that what is being done now is a follow up on the verification process by tagging each farmer to their farm land.

Also speaking on behalf of the farmers in Yelwa village, Tsaragi Ward II, Mrs Mahmud expressed appreciation to the state government for the opportunity extended to the real farmers in the State.