Kogi govt urged to focus more on agriculture
The Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Dr. Patrick Adebola, has commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his administration’s strides in governance, infrastructure, and human resource development. He noted that initiatives such as timely salary payments, bursary awards, road constructions, and investments in security and education demonstrate the administration’s commitment to economic growth.
However, Dr. Adebola emphasized that agriculture, as the primary occupation of Kogi’s people, should receive greater focus. With Kogi State’s strategic location and vast arable land, the agricultural sector holds immense potential for food security, employment generation, and economic diversification. He urged the government to expand support for agribusiness, particularly in cash crop production, processing, and market access for farmers.
While highlighting the establishment of Kogi State University, Kabba, as a game-changer for the region, Adebola also pointed out that the solid minerals sector could play a key role in industrialization and economic expansion. As a globally recognized expert in plant genetics and agricultural research, he called for sustained support for economic revitalization through targeted investments in agribusiness and allied industries.
Source: Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
Below are key insights and recommendations for stakeholders regarding the role of agribusiness in Kogi State’s development under the Ododo administration:
- Leveraging Agriculture for Economic Diversification
– Kogi State is endowed with vast agricultural resources, including cocoa, cassava, cashew, rice, and maize. Expanding investments in these value chains can boost production, processing, and exports.
– The government should partner with private investors and agribusiness firms to establish agro-processing zones, reducing post-harvest losses and creating value-added products for both local and international markets. - Enhancing Farmer Productivity and Market Access
– Beyond infrastructure, policies that support smallholder farmers with access to credit, improved seedlings, mechanization, and extension services will significantly enhance productivity and profitability.
– Strengthening cooperative models can help farmers aggregate produce, access bulk purchasing agreements, and negotiate better prices in local and export markets. - Developing Agricultural Education and Research
– With the newly established Kogi State University, Kabba, the state has an opportunity to integrate agricultural research and development (R&D) programs focused on improving crop yields, soil management, and sustainable farming practices.
– CRIN and other research institutions should collaborate with the university to introduce modern agritech solutions, precision farming techniques, and climate-smart agricultural methods. - Tapping into Agri-Based Industrialization
– Kogi’s location makes it a potential agro-processing hub for Nigeria’s central region. Policies supporting agro-industrial parks, food processing plants, and commodity exchange markets will drive economic growth and attract investors.
– The solid minerals sector can complement agribusiness by providing revenue for infrastructure development, irrigation projects, and logistics improvements for agricultural goods.5. Sustainability and Climate Adaptation
– As global climate conditions change, policies must promote sustainable farming practices, afforestation programs, and efficient water management techniques to mitigate environmental risks.
– The government should explore renewable energy solutions for irrigation and processing plants, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Conclusion
While Governor Ododo’s administration has made commendable strides in governance and infrastructure, agriculture remains a critical pillar for Kogi State’s economic transformation. Strategic investments in agribusiness, rural development, and agro-industrialization will position the state as a key player in Nigeria’s food production landscape, ensuring sustainable economic growth, job creation, and food security.
