The Kwara State is partnering with Cornell University, New York to launch a 5-year Master plan for the state's agricultural modernisation which will form the basis of the administration's plan to drive economic development using its strength in agriculture. In preparation for the launch, a team of Professor's from the University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences arrives Ilorin, the state capital, next weekend, to finalise details with the state government. Based on collaboration between Bridge Education and Technology Institute, a US Based consultancy and the state government, the plan is designed by the Cornell Professors and a number of renowned Nigerian counterparts.

Making the announcement in Ilorin, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the masterplan outlines strategies to improve the state's agricultural and agro-industry infrastructure, harness the state's agricultural endowment through the application of science and technology to the agricultural processes. It also aims to raise the state's agricultural output to enhance economic, food and nutritional security of the people of Kwara State and of Nigeria as well as build on the previous administration's successes in agriculture. Continuing, Ahmed said the masterplan also forms the main plank of his strategy to leverage on the state's growing reputation for commercial agriculture and agro-allied businesses
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Governor Ahmed said that the master plan is also designed to create global opportunities for Kwara's agricultural products and evolve an enabling environment to attract high impact foreign and local investors and entrepreneurs to the state. Reiterating his belief in the potential of agriculture to accelerate the state's and indeed Nigeria's growth, Ahmed said the launch of the master plan will set the state firmly on the path of accelerated development as it will create jobs, ensure food security and generate revenue for the state as well as provide inputs for industries and agro-allied businesses.
The Agriculture masterplan is coming barely weeks after the Ahmed administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Valsolar Consortium of Spain for a N70 billion rice cultivation, processing and packaging project in the state, which the government asserts will create 12000 jobs over the value chain.

By Dr. Femi Akorede