The Kogi State Government has commenced large-scale cultivation of cucumbers as part of its broader agricultural development strategy, recording its first major success with a harvest of 260 kilograms from a greenhouse project.
The cucumbers were cultivated at the Federal University, Lokoja, under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes initiative.
The project is expected to yield similar harvests weekly over the next three months, according to government officials.
Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the maiden harvest, the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Mr. Olusegun Joseph, described the effort as a significant step toward enhancing food security, advancing smart agriculture, and empowering women and young people in the state.
He noted that the project benefits include participation from women farmers in host communities, as well as staff and students of the university.
Speaking at the event, State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mrs. Ladi Ahmed-Jatto, said the initiative has been implemented across Kogi’s three senatorial districts and has already empowered thousands of farmers. She specifically cited the involvement of women farmers from Falele and Crusher communities as examples of the program’s inclusive approach.
“At today’s maiden harvest, a total of 260 kilograms of cucumber was harvested. The harvest is expected to continue weekly for the next three months before another crop will be planted,” she said.
Also addressing the occasion, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, linked the project’s success to Governor Ododo’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development. He added that the greenhouse project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes agricultural resilience and food security.
“Mr President has empowered Kogi and has energised the agricultural sector with his policies and support. We are only responding to his support by ensuring farmers benefit directly and also to expand our value chain in the sector as a state,” Fanwo said.
“We are grateful to Mr President for sparking a revolution in the nation’s agricultural sector. We didn’t just go to Lagos to sign the Food for Lagos Partnership just for the television flashes. We are back home to walk our talk and become the noiseless food basket of Nigeria,” he added.
Some beneficiaries of the greenhouse farming project expressed appreciation to the federal and state governments as well as the ACReSAL programme for their support. One of the student farmers, Godwin Apeh, lauded the initiative and thanked all stakeholders for creating opportunities for youth involvement in agriculture.
