Olam Agri, a global leader in agribusiness, has reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria’s agricultural progress by providing a significant boost to soybean production. This was achieved through the generous donation of soybean threshing machines to farmers in Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Soybean, a vital crop for food security, animal feed, and biofuel, plays a significant role in Nigeria’s agricultural economy. By supporting local soybean farmers, Olam Agri aims to strengthen the nation’s food security, drive economic growth, and improve farmer livelihoods. The new threshing machines are expected to boost efficiency and productivity, enabling higher yields and greater prosperity for farming communities.
The donation deepens Olam Agri’s collaboration with the Kwara State Government, which has been instrumental in fostering agricultural progress in the region. As part of its ongoing efforts, Olam Agri has been a key investor in the Kwara State Soybean Sustainability Program, which focuses on expanding cultivation through farmer training, equipment donations, input support, and distribution of high-quality seeds.
Oloruntoyosi Thomas, Kwara State’s Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, praised Olam Agri’s contributions, stating: “Our partnership with Olam Agri has been transformative. This year, we trained all our extension agents on soybean and maize production and are helping farmers access quality seeds to boost yields and improve livelihoods. The donation of threshing machines and packaging bags further supports this effort to enhance the quantity and quality of soybean production in Kwara State.”She emphasized the role of the state’s leadership in advancing agriculture:
“The Kwara State Governor, His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, is committed to improving agricultural productivity. His support has been key to ensuring the success of Olam Agri’s soybean crushing plant, which requires 250,000 tons of soybean annually.”
Amit Mathur, Commercial Manager for the Soybean Value Chain at Olam Agri, underscored the company’s focus on sustainability and farmer welfare: “We are dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods through backward integration programs. Our soybean processing plant, with a capacity of 250,000–350,000 metric tons per year, is part of this commitment. We aim to increase farmers’ productivity and incomes by addressing low yields and creating market linkages while ensuring sustainable practices.”
His Royal Highness Alhaji Idris Abubakar, the Sinaboko Serobetete III, expressed appreciation for the partnership:“Olam Agri and the Kwara State Government have brought tremendous opportunities to our farmers. This collaboration will help us achieve food security goals and uplift our community. We are deeply thankful.”
Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri in Nigeria, highlighted the broader impact of the company’s investments, “Our focus is on empowering farmers and building resilient supply chains, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By investing in tools, training, and sustainable practices, we aim to significantly impact Kwara State’s economy, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Together, we are fostering agricultural self-sufficiency and socioeconomic development.”
About Olam Agri
Olam Agri is a market leading, differentiated food, feed and fibre agri-business with a global origination footprint, processing capabilities and deep understanding of market needs built over 34 years. With a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, freight, integrated feed & protein, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, sugar, cotton, wood products, rubber and risk management solutions, Olam Agri is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows with 39.6 million MT in volume traded in 2023. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enable farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri Holdings Limited, which holds the Olam Agri business, is a 64.6% owned subsidiary of Olam Group. 35.4% of Olam Agri Holdings is owned by SALIC International Investment Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olam Agri’s strategic partner The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Company.
About Olam Group
Olam Group is a leading food and agri-business supplying food, ingredients, feed and fibre to 22,000 customers worldwide. Our value chain spans over 60 countries and includes farming, processing and distribution operations, as well as a global network of farmers. Through our purpose to ‘Re-imagine Global Agriculture and Food Systems’, Olam Group aims to address the many challenges involved in meeting the needs of a growing global population, while achieving positive impact for farming communities, our planet and all our stakeholders. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, Olam Group currently ranks among the top 30 largest primary listed companies in terms of market capitalisation on SGX-ST. Since June 2020, Olam Group has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global sustainable investment index series developed by FTSE Russell, following a rigorous assessment of Olam’s supply chain activities, impact on the environment and governance transparency.
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