KOGI GOVERNMENT EMBARKS ON LAND RESTORATION PROGRAM TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
In line with the vision of the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Kogi State Government has through the ACReSAL project launched a Land Restoration program to combat land degradation and boost agricultural productivity.
The project is with technical support from FAO. The first phase aims to restore 200 HA of degraded land across 11 locations, including Ajovo, Achoze, Odugbo, Kabba, Eti Ete, Ojudu, Ocheja, Kpata, Owara and Okumi.
The program seeks to strengthen farmers’ and extension services’ capacity to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices through training, technical assistance, and financial support.
This project according to the Project Coordinator of Acresal will enable farmers adopt practices like drought-resistant crop varieties and agroforestry, improving their livelihoods.
The project Acresal Coordinator, Barr. Ladi Ahmed Jatto said the project promotes sustainable land management practices to restore land health and productivity, enhance ecological resilience, and support community well-being.
“Currently, we are preparing the land using tractors for ploughing and ridging, and planting has commenced. We are taking advantage of the late rainy season to clear land and provide drought-resistant seedlings like cowpeas, sesame seeds, cassava, and maize to farmers”, Barr Ladi disclosed.
The Project Coordinator Acresal disclosed that the present administration has made food productivity a priority, expressed appreciation to Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo for the enabling environment created for farmers to increase food production.