Commencing the free distribution of 21,000 bags of assorted fertilizers to over 10,500 farmers in Oyo State, the Oyo State Government partnered with the Federal Government. The event took place at OYSADA Warehouse, Fertilizer Store in the Laniya area of Ojongbodu, Oyo town.
At the opening ceremony, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that this initiative is a demonstration of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration’s dedication to enhancing food production and stimulating the state’s economy.
This effort is aimed at increasing crop productivity, ensuring food security, and boosting the income of rural farmers. The state government is resolute in enhancing agricultural productivity and empowering farmers for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The administration acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers in the state, including insecurity and escalating prices of agricultural inputs. Consequently, it approved the procurement and distribution of various agricultural inputs at the beginning of this farming season through Sustainable Action for Economic Reform.
These inputs consist of maize seeds, soybean seeds, knapsack sprayers, and agro-chemicals, aimed at strengthening farmers’ resilience against economic shocks.
Furthermore, Kakulu Omonele, the state Coordinator from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted that the Central Bank of Nigeria donated 100,000 metric tonnes (2,000,000 bags) of assorted fertilizers to the Federal Government. This support is to mitigate the economic impact on food production and enhance food security in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu instructed the CBN to transfer the assorted fertilizers to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for allocation to all states and FCT for onward distribution to farmers. Bilkis Abdulateef, representing Omonele, praised the state government’s prompt evacuation of the fertilizers and urged the beneficiaries to utilize them as intended.
Additionally, 250 farmers from Akinyele Local Government Area received two bags of fertilizers each to bolster their agricultural activities.