Kwara partners feed firm on soybean production

The Kwara State Government has entered into a partnership with a poultry feed and concentrates producer, Amo Byng Nig Limited, to enhance local soybean production as part of efforts to address the shortage impacting poultry feed production in Nigeria.

A statement from the partners on stated that the collaboration would tackle the shortage of soybeans which had led to increased costs in poultry feed production, as a significant portion of Nigeria’s soybeans were being exported.

Amo Byng said it was indicating its support for local farmers by providing essential farming inputs and committing to purchase their soybean harvests.

The company explained that the initiative aimed to stimulate local production as its pilot programme supplied 300 farmers with inputs to cultivate soybeans on 1,500 hectares in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, covering four communities within the area.

Amo Byng added that the Kwara State Government contributed by allocating tractors to assist farmers with land preparation, enhancing farming efficiency and effectiveness.

The Group Managing Director of Amo Byng Nigeria Ltd, Dr Ayoola Oduntan, emphasised the importance of the partnership to address the soybean shortage in Nigeria’s poultry industry impacting feed production.

Oduntan noted that the company’s partnership was vital for providing farmers with the necessary inputs and ensuring the purchase of their harvest.

“Our goal is to stimulate local production and alleviate the raw material shortage,” Oduntan said.

On his part, the Managing Director of Amo Byng Nigeria Ltd., Dr Ayoola Belgore, said the initiative had a broader vision and was committed to expanding its reach to other states beyond Kwara State.

“The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, commended the company’s efforts and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the project and local farmers,” the statement stated.

It said stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture, Funke Sokoya; Coordinator of Farmers Group, Shuib Alawaye; and Kwara State Chairman of the Soybean Growers Association, Solomon Olawoyin, were in attendance.