Kogi State has achieved its first harvest of greenhouse-grown cucumber at the Federal University, Lokoja, marking a major step in its drive toward food security and climate-smart agriculture.
The initiative, implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, aims to promote sustainable farming practices while empowering women and youth across the state.
Beneficiaries of the project include women farmers from Felele and Crusher communities, as well as staff and students of the university. The maiden harvest produced about 260 kilograms of cucumber, with weekly harvests projected over the next three months.
The event was attended by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Olusegun Joseph, and the State ACReSAL Coordinator, Ladi Ahmed Jatto.
Speaking on the milestone, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the success of the greenhouse project as a testament to Kogi’s commitment to food security and sustainable development.
“Our women and youths are now at the forefront of Kogi’s agricultural revolution,” Fanwo said. “Through ACReSAL, thousands of farmers are being empowered across the state, and Kogi is fast becoming a model of agricultural resilience and productivity.”
He added that the state government remains focused on turning Kogi into a “noiseless food basket of Nigeria,” noting that the agricultural reforms align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes local food production and self-reliance.
