In its quest to improve food security, reduce unemployment, and enhance the agricultural skills and knowledge of farmers, the Oyo State Government has commenced the allocation of land and a comprehensive training program for farmers in rural communities.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated at the opening ceremony of the training at the Oyo State-International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, that 62 farmers were selected from different local governments.
The commissioner noted that the program was the first of its kind in the state’s history under Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure, to enable beneficiaries to undergo training in good agricultural practices in different farming enterprises for the next year.
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He disclosed that each participant has been allocated two acres of land as a demonstration farm, with over 200 acres of maize farm already cultivated within the Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, adding that the initiative is expected to ensure food sufficiency in the coming months.
According to the Commissioner, in addition to land allocation, each beneficiary was also given free inputs like maize seed, cassava stems, and herbicides, among others, adding that the training program will be taken to communities and villages across the state.
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The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Christianah Abioye, on her own, commended the participants for their cooperation and urged them to take the training seriously, as the government will provide the necessary materials.
Also speaking was the IITA Park Manager, Mr. Oni Waheed, who expressed optimism about the program and stated that the initiative is a significant step towards achieving the Oyo State government’s agenda to promote agriculture and positively impact the lives of the participants and the overall agricultural sector in the state.
