The Kogi State Government has recorded another milestone in its agricultural revolution with the successful harvest of the first greenhouse-grown cucumber at the Federal University, Lokoja.
The project, implemented through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, is aimed at boosting food security, encouraging technology transfer for smart farming and empowering women and youths in the State.
Beneficiaries of the program include women farmers from the Falele and Crusher communities as well as staff and students of the institution. At today’s maiden harvest a total of 260 kilograms of cucumber was harvested. The harvest is expected to continue weekly for the next three months before another crop will be planted.
Representing His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the farm to supervise the harvest were the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Olusegun Joseph, and the State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto , OON. The project is currently been implemented in the three senatorial zones of the State.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the success of the greenhouse project underscores Governor Ododo’s commitment to promoting food security, tackling food inflation, and ensuring sustainable prosperity for the people of Kogi State.
“Our women and youths are now at the forefront of Kogi’s agricultural revolution,” he said.
“Through ACReSAL, thousands of farmers are being empowered across the State, and Kogi is fast becoming a model of agricultural resilience and productivity.
“We didn’t just go to Lagos to sign the Food For Lagos Partnership just for the television flashes. We are back home to walk our talk and become the noiseless food basket of Nigeria”, he said.
Fanwo said the agricultural revolution in Kogi State under the administration of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Agriculture, which places emphasis on supporting states to produce what Nigerians eat and eat what Nigerians produce.
“Mr President has empowered the State and has energized the agricultural sector with his policies and support. We are only responding to his support by ensuring farmers benefit directly and also to expand our value chain in the sector as a State. We are grateful to Mr President for sparking a revolution in the nation’s agricultural sector”, he said.
Signed: Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications
