Lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief James Faleke, has taken a significant step to support farmers in Kogi State by distributing agricultural inputs worth over N150 million. The initiative aims to help farmers recover from recent losses caused by the sharp decline in food prices.
Speaking at the training and distribution event held in Lokoja on Saturday, Dr. Tunde Arosanyin, a consultant to Faleke’s agricultural project, said the intervention was carried out in partnership with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, and Bright-tech Resources Limited.
According to Dr. Arosanyin, the project is designed to empower farmers across Kogi’s three senatorial districts by providing essential farming inputs such as sprayers, herbicides, seeds, liquid organic fertilizers, and cash assistance, alongside expert training on value chains including cassava and fisheries.
“A total of 165 farmers from all three senatorial districts will benefit from this programme. The project also features demonstration farms covering over 150 hectares of land that has been cleared and prepared, with motorized boreholes installed at selected locations,” he explained.
Dr. Arosanyin noted that while President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reduce food prices have helped consumers, farmers have faced challenges selling their produce at profitable rates due to the recent price crash.
“This initiative by Chief Faleke seeks to mitigate those losses by equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to improve productivity and profitability,” he added.
The project, which began in June this year, provides hands-on training on best agronomic practices and supports farmers financially to overcome cash constraints. The inclusion of demonstration farms offers practical experience, enhancing farmers’ skills and boosting output.
Mr. Mohammed Haruna, a beneficiary from Lokoja Local Government Area, praised the training programme, highlighting how it expanded their understanding of best practices in cassava cultivation and fisheries. He expressed gratitude to Chief Faleke for the timely support, which has positively impacted the welfare of farmers across the state.
Kogi State, known as one of Nigeria’s major food-producing regions—famed for crops such as cassava, rice, maize, yam, and fish farming—has faced ongoing challenges. Farmers continue to struggle with insecurity, inadequate storage facilities, and limited government support, all of which hinder their ability to sustain livelihoods.
Chief Faleke’s intervention signals a much-needed boost for farmers in Kogi, promising to enhance agricultural productivity and improve economic outcomes in this vital sector.
