Kogi partners private firms on silos

The Kogi State Government has opened up negotiations with specific private companies to build silos for produce storage.

This information was revealed by the Kogi State Agric Commissioner, Timothy Ojomah, during the Arewa PUNCH findings on the state government’s level of preparation in the event of a predictable drought.

Ojomah further revealed that the Kogi government opened the negotiations with private companies that specialise in the building of silos to help farmers store their produce.

This, it is expected, will help to mitigate losses by farmers due to poor harvest occasioned by draught in future.

The Agric Commissioner, on Tuesday, in a chat with our correspondent in response to enquiry about what the state government was doing to help farmers mitigate against losses in farm produce said that post harvest losses occur mostly when there is excessive production.

“With the anticipated period of draught and the current food shortages, post harvest would be minimal. However, the government is negotiating with some companies that specialise in building quality silos so that we can offtake and store.”

“Through this, we can ensure adequate supply of food to our people, and the value chain for each crop’s line would be enhanced,” he explained.

Continuing, Ojomah opined, “It is hoped that Kogi State qualifies for the second phase of the SAPZ (Special Agro Processing Zone) with such qualification, value addition would be guaranteed.”

The Commissioner, while allaying fears over the future likelihood of draught, insisted that it is a natural phenomenon that affects livelihood, especially agricultural activities where rains are required solely to grow crops.

“The effects of the predicted  draught is likely to be much on the farms across Kogi State. That is why the government is extending the support to take advantage of the predicted extended rain fall so as to bridge any loss that may be encountered.

“And part of our agricultural calendar for the year, dry season farming is included so as to ensure regular food supplies,” he added.