The Oyo State Government has initiated the provision of agricultural resources to 2,537 farmers throughout the state. In the latest phase overseen by the state, farmers received cassava stems, hybrid maize seedlings, herbicides, and nap-sack sprayers.
Launching the program at Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State, and Chairman of the SAfER Food Security Sub-Committee, highlighted that the distribution of inputs was concurrently taking place in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government, and Ayete in Ibarapa North Local Government.
He remembered that a loan of N1 billion had been distributed to farmers via accredited microfinance banks. Additionally, thousands of poultry, fishery, and piggery farmers had received benefits through the first, second, and third phases of input distribution exercises across the state.
Olaleye emphasized that the objective of this initiative was to guarantee plentiful food supply within Oyo State, thereby lowering the prices of food items and alleviating the economic hardships faced by residents.
Today marks the beginning of the fourth phase of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program, focusing on the food security sub-sector. As you’re aware, the SAfER initiative encompasses various sub-sectors, including the distribution of food palliatives, transportation, health, and now, food security.
What we’re engaged in is the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers. This includes providing cassava stems, special maize seeds known for their quick germination, as well as nap-sack sprayers throughout Oyo State. Additionally, we’re equipping them with herbicides to safeguard their crops from insect infestations and other threats.
In this fourth phase, a minimum of 2,537 farmers will benefit. As a reminder, there have been three previous phases of interventions in the food security sub-sector. We’ve supplied free maize to poultry farmers, offered complimentary feeds to fish farmers, and continue to distribute feeds, PKC, and disinfectants to piggery farmers. This marks the continuation of our efforts in the fourth phase.
He reassured farmers that through the SAfER program, the State Government would soon initiate free livestock vaccination and distribute feeds to support livestock farmers. Furthermore, he mentioned that a subsidy on the use of tractors for farm cultivation would commence in two weeks.
Olaleye elaborated, “Starting next week, free cattle vaccination and the distribution of feeds to sheep and goat farmers will begin across Oyo State. Additionally, within the next ten days, the subsidy on tractor usage will take effect. So, if you cultivate five acres, the government will cover the cost of two and a half acres, and if you cultivate ten hectares, the government will subsidize five acres for you.”
As you may remember, the governor has disbursed a N1 billion loan to farmers through various financial institutions, benefiting over three thousand farmers. The primary objective is to guarantee abundant food supply in Oyo State, thereby reducing the prices of food items.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Rafiu Saheed expressed gratitude to the State Government for the support with farm inputs, emphasizing the significant impact these materials would have on their farms and produce. He urged fellow beneficiaries not to sell the farm inputs but to utilize them wisely to complement the government’s efforts.
