By Chinyere Anyanwu
In furtherance of its efforts to strengthen the nation’s food security, drive economic growth and improve farmers’ livelihoods, Olam Agri has provided a significant boost to soybean production through the donation of soybean threshing machines to farmers in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State.
Soybean, a vital crop for food security, animal feed and biofuel, plays a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. The new threshing machines are expected to boost efficiency and productivity, enabling higher yields and greater prosperity for farming communities.
The donation deepens Olam Agri’s collaboration with the Kwara State government, which has been instrumental in fostering agricultural progress in the region. As part of its ongoing efforts, Olam Agri has been a key investor in the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Programme, which focuses on expanding cultivation through farmer training, equipment donations, input support and distribution of high-quality seeds. Kwara State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, praised Olam Agri’s contributions, stating: “Our partnership with Olam Agri has been transformative. This year, we trained all our extension agents on soybean and maize production and are helping farmers access quality seeds to boost yields and improve livelihoods. The donation of threshing machines and packaging bags further supports this effort to enhance the quantity and quality of soybean production in Kwara State.”
She emphasised the role of the state’s leadership in advancing agriculture, saying, “the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, is committed to improving agricultural productivity. His support has been key to ensuring the success of Olam Agri’s soybean crushing plant, which requires 250,000 tonnes of soybean annually.”
Commercial Manager for the Soybean Value Chain at Olam Agri, Amit Mathur, underscored the company’s focus on sustainability and farmer welfare, noting, “we are dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods through backward integration programmes. Our soybean processing plant, with a capacity of 250,000 – 350,000 metric tonnes per year, is part of this commitment. We aim to increase farmers’ productivity and incomes by addressing low yields and creating market linkages while ensuring sustainable practices.”
Royal father, Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Sinaboko Serobetete III, who expressed appreciation for the partnership, said, “Olam Agri and the Kwara State government have brought tremendous opportunities to our farmers. This collaboration will help us achieve food security goals and uplift our community. We are deeply thankful.”
Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, highlighted the broader impact of the company’s investments, “Our focus is on empowering farmers and building resilient supply chains in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By investing in tools, training and sustainable practices, we aim to significantly impact Kwara State’s economy, create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Together, we are fostering agricultural self-sufficiency and socioeconomic development.”