The Kwara State Government has taken a major step to address post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ profitability through a partnership with Olam Agri, following a meeting held on Friday in Abuja between the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, and the Vice President Procurement, Olam Agri, Mr. Noel Ferrao.
In his remarks, Dr. Abolore identified post-harvest losses as a major constraint affecting farmers’ income and overall sector efficiency, stressing the need for improved storage systems within the State as a practical intervention to safeguard harvested produce and reduce avoidable waste.
He explained that the proposed activation of storage facilities will improve preservation, support aggregation of produce, and enhance farmers’ ability to access better market opportunities through improved timing and reduced pressure to sell immediately after harvest.
Also speaking, Mr. Ferrao mentioned that Olam Agri are looking to work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara State Government, Development Agencies and Financial Institutions to create a sustainable model for maize and soyabean out grower programs providing seeds and inputs to farmers as well as training on good agricultural practices and timely market access.
He further explained that Olam Agri is already in one such partnership in soyabean and planning to launch another this farming season.
Dr. Abolore appreciated the collaboration and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural support systems across the 16 Local Government Areas, noting that the intervention is expected to directly reach thousands of farmers.
The engagement reflects the Kwara State Government’s continued focus on strengthening agricultural infrastructure, deepening private sector collaboration, and improving efficiency within the agricultural system to support long-term food security and rural development.
