Kwara govt partners Olam to boost food production

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The Kwara State government has announced a strategic partnership with Olam Group to enhance food production and value addition in the state’s agricultural sector.

As part of the collaboration, a soya oil processing plant is set to open in Asa Local Government Area, with the government providing key support to bolster the soya bean and maize value chain.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this during a working visit to Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.

The Commissioner was accompanied by Olam Agri Manager, Amit Mathur, Director of Agricultural Services, Hajia Hussein, and Chairman of the Soyabeans Farmers Association, Kwara State branch, Olawoyin Yinka Solomon, among others.

Oloruntoyosi highlighted that the partnership includes the allocation of 100 hectares of land and the provision of quality seedlings to improve productivity and yields.

“The focus of this collaboration is to enhance the soya bean value chain, improving both the quality and quantity of production,” she stated during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Abubakar Idris Sero.

The Commissioner also revealed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq played a pivotal role in ensuring the soya oil processing plant was established within the state.

She noted that the government has facilitated key processes, including land documentation, to support Olam’s operations.

“Kwara is an ideal location for a soya oil processing plant due to its fertile land. Over 150,000 hectares of land in the state is currently under soya bean cultivation,” Oloruntoyosi added.

She also emphasised the government’s commitment to empowering farmers with modern farming techniques, stating, “We will continue to support our extension workers to ensure farmers have access to up-to-date farming information, enabling them to achieve better yields through technology-driven methods.”

The Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Abubakar Idris Sero, expressed his appreciation for the government’s focus on grassroots agricultural development, particularly in Baruten Local Government Area, where farming is the primary occupation.

“We thank His Excellency for prioritizing the needs of farmers. This intervention will significantly boost agricultural productivity in our community,” the Emir said.

He praised the appointment of Oloruntoyosi Thomas as Commissioner, describing her as a “round peg in a round hole,” and commended her dedication to advancing the state’s agricultural goals.

The monarch also noted the importance of sustainable farming practices, stating, “Our land’s fertility is declining due to extensive farming. This initiative will ensure better yields and help our farmers thrive.”

Speaking on the partnership, Olam Agri Manager Amit Mathur explained that the company will provide farmers with soyabean processing machines, quality seedlings, and technical expertise to ease farming activities and increase production.

“At the end of the harvest, we will purchase the soya beans directly from the farmers for processing into soya oil,” Mathur said, adding that the programme aims to empower local farmers and strengthen Kwara’s agricultural value chain.

General Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Baruten Chapter, Madubu Muhammad, described the initiative as transformative.

“This programme will significantly increase soyabean production in Baruten, positioning it as one of the leading soyabean-producing communities in Kwara,” he said.

The delegation also visited Gwane Village, where the community head, Alhaji Daro Umar, commended the government’s agricultural policies.

The soya oil processing plant, once operational, is expected to boost local economies, create jobs, and increase food security in the state.