The Kwara Government has partnered Olam Agri to curb post-harvest losses and boost farmers’ profitability across the state.
The development is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by Ashaolu Omotola, Press Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.
Supreme news reports the agreement was signed by Agriculture Commissioner, Dr Afees Alabi, and Olam Agri’s Vice President for Procurement, Noel Ferrao.
Alabi described post-harvest losses as a major constraint on farmers’ incomes and overall agricultural efficiency in the state.
He stressed the need for improved storage systems, describing them as practical tools to preserve produce and reduce avoidable waste.
The commissioner said activating storage facilities would improve preservation, support aggregation, and help farmers secure better market opportunities through flexible selling timelines.
Alabi reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural support across the 16 local government areas, noting the initiative would directly benefit thousands of farmers.
“The engagement reflects government’s focus on strengthening infrastructure, deepening private sector collaboration, and improving efficiency for long-term food security and rural development,” he said.
Ferrao said Olam Agri aimed to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Kwara government, development agencies, and financial institutions.
He noted the partnership would deliver sustainable maize and soyabean outgrower programmes, providing inputs, training on best practices, and timely market access.
According to him, Olam Agri already operates a similar soyabean partnership and plans to expand with another programme this farming season.