Oyo Govt Commences 2nd Phase Of 50 Percent Tractorization Subsidy For Farmers
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has on Thursday officially launched the 2025 phase of its landmark 50% Tractorization Subsidy Programme, a flagship agricultural initiative aimed at increasing mechanized farming and boosting food production across the state.
Briefing journalists during a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ibadan, the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, highlighted the successes of the previous year and outlined new enhancements designed to make the programme even more accessible and impactful for farmers.
“Last year, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, we achieved tangible milestones. A total of 6,090.91 acres of farmland were ploughed, directly benefiting 1,487 farmers. Many of them transitioned from manual to mechanical farming, resulting in increased productivity,” Olaleye said.
For the 2025 planting season, the state aims to more than triple that achievement with a target of 20,000 acres. Farmers across all 33 local government areas have also been encouraged to register through agricultural extension officers, the Ministry headquarters, or via a newly introduced online booking platform.
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This digital application, developed in partnership with technical collaborator Hello Tractor, allows farmers to book services, track requests, and receive updates. The Commissioner disclosed that a dedicated helpline has also been launched to provide real-time support.
To further bolster the initiative, agricultural extension officers have undergone specialized training to help farmers adopt best practices in climate-smart agriculture. In collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet), a “Train the Trainer” session was conducted on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction. This aims to empower farmers with essential weather information for better crop planning and climate risk mitigation.
Also speaking at the event, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, Chairman of the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), emphasized the inclusiveness of the programme.
“This is not a partisan project. All farmers, regardless of political affiliation, are welcome to benefit,” Akeugbagold said. “In 2024, farmers paid only 50% of the cost of ploughing, and the government covered the rest. That same model continues in 2025 with no hidden conditions.”
He also disclosed that the government has given the directive to extend the programme to 20,000 acres for the 2025 cropping season, with tractorization operations scheduled to begin statewide by April 15.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Esther Owoeye, praised the combined efforts of stakeholders, including government officials, extension officers, and ACCOS personnel, in delivering the 2024 outcomes.
“The progress made in food security and farmer empowerment is a result of unified efforts and shared vision,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and expanding the programme’s reach: “We are determined to make the 2025 phase even more impactful, ensuring more farmers gain access to mechanization and contribute to food sufficiency in Oyo State.”
The Tractorization Subsidy Programme is one of the state’s cornerstone strategies for agricultural transformation, rural development, and economic diversification.
By subsidizing 50% of the cost of mechanical land preparation and integrating climate advisory services, the initiative is set to uplift small and medium-scale farmers and boost productivity across the state’s agricultural zones.
Farmers interested in participating have also been urged to register promptly with their local extension officers or through the online platform to secure their slots as the 2025 season gets underway.