- as ABS Foundation distributes inputs to farmers across Kwara North
Community leaders and farmers in Kwara North are full of praise for the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, following the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers across the five Local Government areas, LGAs, in the Senatorial District.
The initiative, which kicked off on Monday, August 26, 2024, benefitted 986 farmers primarily, with over 2,500 secondary beneficiaries across the Kwara North Senatorial District.
The distribution of farm inputs, including fertilizers, chemicals, and seedlings, among others, kicked off in Moro LGA and was extended to Edu, Patigi, and Baruten before concluding Kaiama LGA.
Community leaders and farmers associations described it as an unprecedented and timely intervention at a time when it is needed most.
They noted that the intervention by the ABS Foundation will go a long way to assist the farmers in bridging their financial needs and achieving a productive farming season.
In an appreciation letter addressed to the Director General, ABS Foundation, CINWON Soko Farmers Association, Edu LG, commended the ABS Foundation for the gesture, which it said was extended to its members across local governments.
The letter, signed by the Chairman, Abdulahi Mohammed and Secretary, Mr Matthew Abubakar, said the inputs would help farmers achieve an unprecedented level of agricultural output this year.
In its reaction, the Patigi Emirate Development Union (PEDU), in a letter of appreciation signed by National President Malam Salihu Umar Bologi, said the gesture is a testament to the ABS foundation’s commitment to supporting farmers and contributing to the development of the communities.
“The farm inputs provided will have a significant impact on enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and empowering people economically.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with ABS in this initiative and are grateful for the trust placed in PEDU to facilitate the distribution,” the letter read.
A community leader in Baruten, who identified himself simply as Mohammed, expressed his happiness that the people were remembered in the scheme of things.
Mohammed noted that the initiative has helped the farmers resolve some of their annual challenges in agriculture, the people’s major source of livelihood and the mainstay of the state economy.
One of the beneficiaries in Regata Village, Patigi LGA, Hajia Chatta, lauded the ABS Foundation, for its initiative to promote agriculture, describing the gesture as unprecedented in Kwara North.
The North Central Regional Director of ABS Foundation, Mallam Musa Aliyu, had said that the objective of the empowerment project is “to provide low-income farmers in Kwara North with inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides to improve farm produce for the 2024 farming season.
“It also aims to support farmers to increase average crop yields, thereby improving food security and farmers’ incomes.”
According to him, the basic commodities and inputs supplied by the foundation will also go a long way in addressing public health challenges like malnutrition and poor diets.
The ABS Foundation North Central Regional Director expressed happiness that the intervention is already yielding results as beneficiaries “have already begun to give positive feedback.”
End.