The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme in Kwara State has commenced another round of capacity-building training for 150 farmers across five local government areas of the state.
The training, which focuses on the use of high-yield seeds, crop production and protection, as well as proper fertiliser application, is aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and strengthening agricultural practices across the state.
Speaking at the programme, The State Project Coordinator SAPZ Engr. Dr. Busari Toyin Isiaka, commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his continued support for the programme.
He noted that Kwara State was among the first eight states to join the SAPZ initiative and described the governor as one of the earliest state leaders to demonstrate strong commitment to the programme.
According to him, the current training is part of a series of impactful capacity-building programmes designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge that can improve their agricultural output.
The 150 participants comprise 30 farmers each from Moro, Asa, Ifelodun, Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas. The participants were selected to represent farmer clusters established across the respective local government areas.
He explained that the cluster approach would make it easier for the programme to engage with farmers and extend the benefits of the training to other members of the clusters who were not physically present at the event.
He urged the participants to pay close attention to the resource persons and actively participate by asking questions, stressing that being a farmer does not necessarily mean one is a “smart farmer.”
He encouraged the farmers to be open to new knowledge and modern agricultural practices, noting that adopting improved techniques could significantly enhance their productivity and overall farm performance.
The SAPZ representative also disclosed that the training was being held despite the public holiday, following the directive and commitment of the state government to ensure that agricultural development programmes continue without interruption.
He urged the participants to make effective use of the opportunity by assimilating the knowledge provided during the training and applying it to their farming activities.
The programme brings together SAPZ officials, project personnel, consultants, agricultural productivity officers, farmers, extension stakeholders and other relevant participants as part of efforts to advance agricultural productivity and support the development of farmer clusters in Kwara State.
