The Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), in its ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in its member states, has initiated a power tiller distribution program in Kogi State.
The initiative is in partnership with the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture, the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), and the Kogi Farmers Association. The program aims to establish a framework for distributing 50 units of HP hand-driven power tillers to farmers across the state.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, the Kogi State Coordinator of HYPPADEC, Engr. Mrs. Joan Oguche (FNSE), represented by Koton-Karfe Area Officer Mr. Micheal Omeiza Ajayi, expressed appreciation for the partnership. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to enhance farming practices in line with industry standards.
She also emphasized that HYPPADEC’s initiative to promote modern agricultural techniques is a significant step toward achieving food sustainability and security across its member states and the country at large.
The Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture, Engr. Abdulsalam M. Sagir, lauded the Commission for recognizing the State Implementing Agency as a key partner and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to support collaborative development initiatives.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr. Bello Ogirima, commended HYPPADEC for adopting more effective farmer engagement strategies. He noted that the traditional model of providing free inputs to farmers should give way to approaches that promote ownership through subsidized support, which would enhance long-term sustainability.
Dr. Ogirima assured the Commission that the ADP is ready to collaborate in strengthening HYPPADEC’s agricultural programs to help ensure food security for the state.
