Oyo Govt. Commences Free Fertilizer Distribution To Enhance Food Production
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Oyo State government in it’s drive to boost food production on Monday, at the state fertilizer store in Oyo town flagged-off free distribution of fertilizer to farmers across all the geo-political zones of the state.
Each of the beneficiaries of the first phase of the distribution programme who are mostly youth, women and middle aged genuine and dedicated farmers selected from Akinyele local government, Ogo Oluwa local government, Oyo West and Iseyin local government areas went their various homes with two bags of fertilizer.
In his address at the event, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye stated that the occasion marks a significant milestone in our agricultural development journey, as we transition from subsidized fertilizer sales to completely free distribution-a transformation that reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence.
“Our great farmers, your tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication to ensuring food security in Oyo State and Nigeria deserve our highest commendation. We fully recognize the challenges you face, including security concerns and the rising costs of agricultural inputs. In response to these challenges, our administration has taken decisive action to support your endeavours.
“Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Sustainable Action for Economic Reform (SAFER), we successfully implemented comprehensive agricultural support initiatives last year. These initiatives included, distribution of 8 bags of 50,800kg maize grains each to 2,800 poultry farmers, provision of Palm Kernel Cake and disinfectants to 1,028 pig farmers and vaccination of 95,948 cattle against Anthrax and CBPP, supply of supplements and disinfectants to 2,536 cattle, sheep, and goat farmers, support to 1,150 fish farmers with quality feed, distribution of improved soybean seeds to 920 farmers and essential inputs to 2,889 crop farmers, provision of knapsack sprayers to 2,500 farmers. 3501 farmers benefitted from agricultural loans, totaling one billion naira.
“Approval for ploughing 40,000 acres at 50% subsidy rates, benefiting 2,537 farmers with a total number of 6,000 acres ploughed and 1487 benefited. Additionally, we conducted comprehensive soil testing across 100 communities in collaboration with OCP Africa, training 22,370 farmers and establishing a comprehensive farmer database. This year, our ministry has expanded its activities to include, annual presentations of weather forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency
(NIMET) translated into Yoruba for better accessibility Resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Council (OYSSCC). Training of extension agents on climate prediction and digital mapping technologies, training of 3,830 farmers across various agricultural enterprises, upcoming training for 250 retired and soon-to-retire civil servants on basic agricultural practices, expansion of tractorization subsidy coverage to 120,000 acres from 40.000 projected last year.
“The free fertilizer distribution we launch today represents our commitment to agricultural excellence and food security. Last year, 4,302 farmers received 8,702 bags of assorted fertilizers. This year, we have prepared 12,298 bags of assorted fertilizers for free distribution to farmers across the state. This programme extends beyond mere agricultural inputs it represents an investment in your future, your families’ prosperity, and our nation’s food security. We are committed to enhancing crop productivity, strengthening food security, and increasing rural farmers’ income while positioning our agricultural sector for sustainable growth.
“I urge all beneficiaries to maximize the potential of these resources and resist any attempts to compromise the integrity of this programme. These fertilizers are your entitlement as hardworking farmers contributing to our state’s development.At this juncture, I express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, for his consistent support of Oyo State’s agricultural sector and unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare.
“This programme aims to combat hunger and strengthen food security throughout Oyo State and Nigeria. Together, we are building a prosperous agricultural future for our state and nation. On this note, with great honour and privilege, I hereby officially declare the Free Fertilizer Distribution Programme for farmers in Oyo State open to the glory of God, bountiful harvest in this planting season, improved livelihood among farmers in our pacesetter state and enhanced food security in Nigeria. Olaleye said.
Earlier in her welcome, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Abosede Owoeye noted that agriculture remains one of the most viable pathways toward achieving sustainable food production and nutrition security.
She maintained that the objective of the program is to enhance local production of nutritious food, an endeavour in which smallholder farmers play an absolutely crucial role.
“As food consumers, both rural and urban populations in developing economies depend heavily on the efficiency and productivity of smallholder farmers to meet their nutritional needs. Beyond their contribution to food security, small-scale farms represent a significant portion of our rural population, many of whom face economic challenges.
“Therefore, deliberate initiatives to support and enhance their productive capacity represent a strategic win-win approach for both economic growth and poverty reduction in our communities.In recent years, there has been insufficient attention given to farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, regarding the provision of essential agricultural inputs by government at various levels. This gap has significantly impacted agricultural productivity and food security across many regions. Owoeye stressed.
In their separate reactions, some of the beneficiaries that spoke with journalists lauded Governor Makinde for the free distribution of the fertilizers.
Madam Titilayo Jimoh from Obada, Oja Oba, in Ogo Oluwa local government, Mr Kehinde Ogundiran from Ogo Oluwa local government, Stephen Ayodapo Oluwagbemiro from Akinyele local government commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the support and the timely distribution of the free fertilizer, they maintained that the gesture will go along way in boosting food production in the state.