SAPZ Project will Create Market Access to Farmers* - KWSG

Kwara State Government has affirmed that Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project is an initiative that will add value to farming and as well create market access to farmers, to sell their farm produce.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, recently dropped this hint in  Malete, Moro Local Government Area, during a sensitisation programme organised for community stakeholders, on the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project.

Sokoya reaffimed further that, the Kwara SAPZ project, which is designed along the value chains of dairy, beef, maize, rice and soyabeans, will address hunger, regulate youths' restiveness and transform rural communities through the deployment of modern technology in agriculture for productivity.

She then noted that, for farmers in the state to fully harness benefits of agriculture related projects by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq led administration, they need to have awareness on improved  agricultural practice by complying with the rainfall predictions, by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Presenting the overview of the project, the State Project Coordinator, Engr.Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, highlighted training of farmers on climate smart agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices, improvement of yields, enlightenment of farmers on new agricultural innovations and availability of market access to farmers, as some of the ways the project will add value to farming in the state.

He disclosed  that an Agro-Industrial Hub will be sited in Malete community, where raw materials harvested from Agricultural Transformation Centers (ATCs) in Olodan, Baruteen, Kaiama and Afon will access end market production.

Speaking through the Project Livestock Specialist, Mr. Abdullfatah Lekan Ambali, explained that SAPZ Project is initiated to *ensure continuity in  agro bussiness, hence the component that makes the project private sector-led,  though it is to be enabled by the government.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Moro Local Government Area, Hajia Mariam Omotayo Agbeke Abdulwasiu, noted it is out of love for humanity and rural development that made Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to be committed to launching Agro-Hubs in the state, there by citing it in Moro Local Government Area of Kwaran State.

The Chairman who was represented by the Speaker, of Moro Local Government Council, Mrs. Adelodun Ramat,  maintained that it is clear that government has the political will to diversify Kwara economy and develop the grassroots.

The Chairman commended Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration, for many agricultural initiatives since inception, assuring his government of Moro people's support and readiness to  key into the project implementation.

Highlight of the event was the entertainment of participants by Awonga Cultural Troupe.

Dignitaries at the occasion were the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture, Mr. Moh'd Baba, Special Assistant to the Governor on Small Holder Farmers Intervention, Honourable Suleiman Belle and Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Modu Mayaki. Others are; Director Engineering, Engr. Sanni Olorin, the Mogaji of Malete, Mallam Babatunde Oluwaore and hosts of others.

Dr. Sangodare Ayinla,

KMCO,

Kwara SAPZ Project

07033530735