Oyo State Government Trains Rural Farmers to Boost Food Production

The Oyo State Government has launched a comprehensive training programme for farmers in rural communities as part of its continued efforts to enhance food security.

Declaring the training open at the Oyo State- IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated  that the programme was the first of its kind in the state’s history under Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure.

Olaleye said the programme aims to reduce unemployment and increase food production, with Sixty-Two (62) participants selected from various rural communities undergoing intensive training to enhance their agricultural skills and knowledge.

He hinted that each participant has been allocated two acres of land to cultivate, with over 200 acres of maize farm already cultivated within the Oyo State-IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, noting that the initiative is expected to ensure food sufficiency in the coming months.

The Commissioner disclosed that the 62 farmers selected from different local government areas in the state will undergo training in good agricultural practices in different farming enterprises for the next one year, saying each participant was allocated  two acres of farmland as demonstration farm, and also given free inputs like maize seed, cassava stems, and herbicides, among others.

He emphasized that the training programme that will  be taken to communities and villages in Oyo State is aimed at promoting good agricultural practices and increasing food production and food security in the state.

In her address of welcome, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Christianah Abioye, commended the participants for their cooperation and urged them to take the training seriously, as the government will provide necessary materials.

Speaking on the journey so far, the IITA Park Manager, Mr Oni Waheed, expressed excitement about the initiative, acknowledging the government’s support.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, the participants’ captain, Rev. Dr Idowu David, expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government and IITA, promised to make the most of the training and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Oyo State.

He stated that the programme is a significant step towards achieving the Oyo State Government’s agenda to promote agriculture, reduce unemployment, and expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the participants and the overall agricultural sector in the state.