Federal Government Launches Agric Support Program In Kogi

The federal government at the weekend launched an agricultural support program in Kogi State for dry season farming.

Officials said it was aimed at improving productivity, enhancing food security and promoting youth empowerment.

The package includes the distribution of dry season farming inputs, establishment of a seed laboratory and training of youths in equipment fabrication under the International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP).

Launching the program in Lokoja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasised the importance of the initiatives in stimulating rural economic growth and improving food security.

According to Ogunbiyi, the VCDP has supported over 5,832 farmers across five local government areas in the state with significant multiplier effects extending across the state.

Represented by Dr Adebola Iluromi, the ministry’s director, Department of Donor Agencies, Ogunbiyi commended the state government for its political will and prompt payment of counterpart funding obligations to the programme.

He appealed to the government to institutionalise the programme by transforming it into a state agency upon the exit of IFAD support.