Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

The Kwara State Government is set to reposition cashew as a fully utilized economic asset by driving value addition and industrial growth. This was the thrust of the message delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, at the high-level roundtable on “Cashew as a Global Commodity: Opportunities for Nigeria” held in Abuja, Thursday. Representing the State at the forum, Dr. Abolore said Kwara, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is prioritizing competitive agricultural value chains, with cashew standing out as a strategic crop cultivated across all 16 local government areas. He said thousands of households, particularly women and youth, depend on cashew farming, yet much of its economic capacity is yet to be harnessed. He noted that the real opportunity lies in full fruit utilization. Beyond the nut, the cashew apple also offers opportunities for juice, feed, and ethanol production. These offer clear prospects for rura...

The Kwara State Government has joined other subnational actors to formalize a strategic partnership with the Lagos State Government under the Produce for Lagos Programme and the ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund, a bold initiative designed to drive food sufficiency, stabilize market prices, and deepen subnational economic cooperation. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, represented the Kwara State Government at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday. His presence affirmed the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to regional partnerships that support increased agricultural productivity and value chain coordination. The initiative provides a structured offtake framework that guarantees farmers in Kwara a ready market for their farm produce all year round. This will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, which remain a major challenge among smallholder farmers, and encourag...

As the planting season approaches, the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has observed a rise in the circulation of unsolicited messages on social media platforms—particularly WhatsApp—asking farmers and agribusiness owners to submit personal information or register for certain initiatives allegedly linked to government programs, loans, or agricultural input support. The Ministry categorically states that it is not in partnership with any unverified platform or group currently soliciting such information. This is a sensitive period in the agricultural calendar, and we understand that many farmers are on the lookout for genuine support and training opportunities. Unfortunately, this is also the time when dubious individuals or groups may attempt to exploit public trust. We therefore urge all farmers, agribusiness owners, and cooperative groups across the state to exercise caution and verify all information before engaging. Do not release personal or business data ...

  The Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is issuing an urgent advisory to all farmers and residents following a severe weather alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for Friday, April 11th, through Sunday, April 13th, 2025. NiMet forecasts heavy rainfall and strong winds across various regions, including Kwara State. Residents, particularly farmers in riverine and flood-prone areas, are strongly urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions against potential flash floods and wind damage. As preparations for the upcoming farming season gain momentum, the Ministry is also providing crucial guidance based on NiMet's 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction. The rainy season in Kwara State is projected to commence in early May, with specific planting windows varying across Local Government Areas. The predicted start and end dates for consistent rainfall in each LGA are as follows: - Asa: May 7 – November 18 - Bar...

  The appointment of Prince Sunday Fagbemi as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, marks a significant milestone for Kwara State. It is a testament to the continued commitment of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, whose purposeful leadership and strategic engagement have made recognitions like this possible, further strengthening Kwara’s voice in national development. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prince Fagbemi, a respected political figure whose experience and dedication to public service make him a fitting choice for this prestigious national role.  I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this recognition, as it underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing critical sectors such as agriculture. This appointment is in perfect alignment with his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes boosting agriculture to achieve food security, strengthen the nation's self-suffi...

  In a historic move to strengthen collaboration and drive growth within the Ministry, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, held a maiden meeting with all staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The gathering, held earlier today at the Ministry’s premises, provided a platform for staff members to engage directly with the new Commissioner, marking the first of its kind in years. All departments under the Ministry, including the Department of Agricultural Services, Department of Engineering Services, Department of Fishery Services, Department of Planning, and the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (Kwara ADP), were duly represented at the meeting.  The event underscored the Commissioner’s commitment to fostering teamwork and collaboration in achieving the Ministry’s mandate as envisioned by His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Kwara State. Addressing the staff, Dr. Alabi emphasized th...