By Olaide Ajibola, JKNMedia Reporter
OYO STATE’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, took charge on Monday as the distribution of vital farm inputs and agricultural assets unfolded across six local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
The initiative marks a significant stride in the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program initiated by the government, aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and ensuring sustainable food production.
Commissioner Olaleye reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to elevating the quality and quantity of farm produce to fortify food security within Oyo State.
The launch of the distribution drive commenced at Saki West Local Government, where Commissioner Olaleye, also the Chairman of Food Security under SAfER, unveiled the fourth phase of farm inputs distribution. The event, which saw the participation of numerous stakeholders, had its genesis in Ibarapa East, Eruwa, where approximately 2537 farmers from the Ibarapa zones reaped the benefits.
This distribution effort is simultaneously unfolding across six LGAs in Oke Ogun, encompassing ATISBO, Saki West, Oorelope, Kajola, Iwajowa, and Itesiwaju.
Underlining the significance of the initiative, Commissioner Olaleye, speaking through the Director of Regulation and Enforcement, Mr. Olusegun Ezekiel, emphasized its role in mitigating the repercussions of subsidy removal. Beneficiaries are set to receive essential items such as herbicides, snap-sack sprayer tanks, 16kg hybrid maize seedlings, insecticides, and 20 bundles of improved cassava stems.
An estimated 766 arable farmers are expected to benefit from this initiative across the six targeted LGAs in Oke Ogun.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Olaleye unveiled plans for the fifth phase of the SAfER scheme, focusing on the food sector. This forthcoming phase will include provisions for free vaccination for cattle, distribution of feed to goat and sheep farmers, as well as subsidies for tractor usage among farmers, set to roll out in the coming weeks.
The efforts of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, received commendation from community leaders such as Baale Agbe of ATISBO and Oorelope, Mr. Daniel Oketola, and Mr. Oladunni Isaiah, who expressed gratitude for the government’s support to the farming community.
Acknowledging the timely nature of the distribution, these community leaders urged farmers to utilize the distributed inputs judiciously, ensuring optimal outcomes for the agricultural sector and the state’s overall economic resilience.
