The Kaduna State Government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations have signed a Technical Cooperation Project agreement aimed at improving agriculture in the state......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The project, titled ‘Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement Through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State,’ seeks to address food security, support smallholder farmers, and stimulate inclusive socio-economic growth.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Thursday, Governor Uba Sani emphasised the importance of agriculture in Kaduna State, noting that it accounts for over 51 per cent of the state’s GDP and employs more than 70 per cent of the population.
“Agriculture accounts for more than 51% of our GDP and employs more than 70% of our population, mostly youth that makeup nearly half of our over 10 million population,” Sani said.
He noted that the state holds great potential for Nigeria’s food security as the leading producer of many agricultural products, including ginger, maize, soybean, tomato, and sorghum.
“We are also blessed with favourable climatic conditions that support the production of a vast array of agricultural produce and year-round agricultural activities
“Kaduna State is one of the leading tomato-producing states in the country. It is our hope that this new partnership will catalyse our rapid progression toward attaining and maintaining the coveted top spot as a major producer in Nigeria and West Africa,” he said.
According to him, the primary source of income for the majority of the people is agriculture, adding that that “is why we allocated about N74 billion or 9.3% of our 2025 budget, in our effort towards meeting the 2014 Malabo Declaration of 10% budgetary allocation to agriculture.”
Sani pointed out that the budgetary allocation to agriculture demonstrates his administration’s commitment to food security and sustainable livelihood, even as a sub-national government.
He, however, argued that accelerating agricultural growth and transformation is capital-intensive, which is why the Kaduna State Government welcomes ‘’this opportunity to partner with the FAO and enhance our tomato production value chain through sustainable practices.’’
The FAO Country Representative, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to strengthening the tomato value chain, enhancing production techniques, and reducing post-harvest losses.
He said FOA would focus on enhancing production techniques to improve yields and quality and reduce post-harvest losses through better storage, processing and infrastructure development.
The country representative said that FAO would continuously advocate for agricultural transformation and sustainable food systems in the northwest region and Kaduna State in particular.
“Kaduna State—and indeed Nigeria—can become a powerhouse in agricultural production, value addition, and food security, not only for the nation but for the continent,” he said
According to Kouacou, there are a lot of opportunities for economic growth, food security and prosperity ‘’if we harness this potential strategically and collaboratively.’’
He said that the signing of TCP marks the beginning of a transformative initiative—one that will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also improve livelihoods and economic resilience in Kaduna State.
“This signing ceremony represents more than just an agreement; it is a milestone in our shared journey toward sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth,” he added.
Kouacou also commended Governor Uba Sani “for his visionary leadership in fostering collaboration and creating an enabling environment for development.”