In a bid to alleviate the challenges faced by poultry and fish farmers in the state, the Kwara State Government has commenced the distribution of maize at a subsidized rate of 55.5% below the market price.

Under the scheme, a 50kg bag of maize is being sold to farmers for N8,000 instead of the prevailing market price of N18,000.

The distribution of the subsidized maize is being carried out by the Kwara State Palliative Committee, headed by former Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwa Rotimi Adelesi.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chairman of the Palliative Committee, stated that the aim of the gesture is to reduce the cost of production for poultry and fish farmers in the state.

He noted that the high cost of maize, which is a major component of animal feed, has been a major challenge for farmers in recent times.

The Committee Chairman expressed hope that the subsidized maize will help to boost poultry and fish production in the state.

The distribution of the subsidized maize is being done in collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN), and other relevant stakeholders.

The Kwara State Government had earlier purchased the maize from the national strategic grain reserve through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).