The Kaduna State Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have signed a Technical Cooperation Project aimed at improving agriculture in the state.
The project, titled: ‘Smart Tomato Value Chain Enhancement Through Sustainable Practices for Livelihood Improvement in Kaduna State,’ seeks to address food security, support small holder 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 emphasized the importance of agriculture in Kaduna State, noting that it accounts for over 51% of the state’s GDP and employs more than 70% of the population.
“Agriculture accounts for more than 51% of our GDP and employs more than 70% of our population, mostly youth that make up 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 produce, including ginger, maize, soybean, tomato, sorghum.
“We are also blessed with favorable 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 catalyze 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 that 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 organization’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, 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—has the capacity to 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.”
Source - https://punchng.com
