House of Representatives member, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, has empowered 165 farmers in Kogi State with agricultural inputs worth over N150 million, in a move aimed at boosting food production and strengthening livelihoods.

The intervention, carried out in collaboration with the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Lagos, and Bright-tech Resource Limited, provided farmers across the three senatorial districts of the state with modern inputs and training to enhance productivity.

Beneficiaries received items such as sprayers, herbicides, improved seeds, and liquid organic fertilizers, alongside cash support. The programme also established demonstration farms, covering more than 150 hectares of cleared land, where farmers are being trained on best practices in key value chains, including cassava and fisheries. In addition, motorised boreholes were provided in select locations to support irrigation and year-round farming.

Speaking during the exercise, Faleke explained that the empowerment initiative was designed to help farmers recover from recent economic challenges, particularly the impact of falling food prices which has reduced their profits. He said the project underscores his commitment to supporting rural communities and promoting food security in Kogi State.

According to him, equipping farmers with both inputs and knowledge will not only improve their yields but also create sustainable jobs and contribute to national agricultural development.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, describing it as timely and impactful, especially at a period when many smallholders are struggling with high production costs.