The Oyo State government has noted that the problems plaguing the agricultural sector are due to low-quality seeds, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalise the seeds sector for rich yields and harvests.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made this statement during a meeting with key stakeholders in the seed sector.

Olaleye said quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of farmers’ success.

The commissioner stated that if not addressed, low-quality seeds will eventually defeat the quest to make agricultural production a major income earner.

According to him, the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector had their first inaugural meeting to deliberate on how to discover and introduce improved seeds to farmers that would promote agriculture.

Recall that the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) was re-inaugurated on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, by the present government under the leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde, comprising all stakeholders in the agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state, saddled with the responsibility of diversifying the economy towards improving food security, job creation, as well as guiding and determining the state’s total seed requirements, among others.

He said, as members of the Seed Coordinating Committee of Oyo State, there is a need for everyone to discharge their duties as expected in reshaping the future of the seed sector, which would enhance agricultural productivity and, in return, bring about food security.

He said, “Quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of our farmers’ success. As custodians of this critical sector, you have played an instrumental role in fostering innovation and ensuring our farmers have access to premium seeds.”

The commissioner, however, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agricultural development, saying that the initiatives have significantly enhanced the well-being of our farmers and citizens, particularly through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023.

Stressing that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds, which includes tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties along with liquid fertilizer to arable farmers across all the 33 Local Government Areas of the state, exemplifies his commitment.

He therefore pledged to provide a friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties and obtain desirable results.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the gathering represents a significant milestone in this present administration’s strategy to address food security challenges facing the state, stressing that today’s inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time.

According to her, recognizing that seed improvement is fundamental to agricultural development, we must act swiftly to enhance both crop and animal seed quality to boost agricultural production and agribusiness across the state.