The Oyo State Government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to Extension Officers across the state, as a demonstration of its determination to boost agricultural extension services in the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, who gave out 15 motorcycles to the extension officers, noted that the officers serve as links between researchers and farmers.

According to him, extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the state.

He explained that the Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors.

“I am highly delighted to welcome you to the distribution of Bajaj motorcycles to Officers/Extension Agents in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Agricultural Extension Officers (Agents) are the link between the researchers and the farmers. They play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to the smallholder farmers, which will invariably increase their productivity and improve their standard of living and ensure food security in the state.

“Therefore, the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the purchase of Bajaj motorcycles for the Agricultural Extension Agents in the state to enhance agricultural extension service delivery.

“You will all agree with me that one of the most pressing challenges facing the Agricultural Extension Officers is the systemic decline, driven by several key factors, which include critical shortage of extension agents due to retirements without adequate replacement.

“Other factors are young people’s reluctance to pursue careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship, lack of sufficient training and professional development of extension agents and lack of proper transportation resources, making it difficult for them to reach and serve farmers in remote villages.”

He noted that last year, the state trained 131 extension agents across the 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications to measure farmland under the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER).

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, said the distribution of the motorcycles would serve as tools of transformation, as they would be able to access remote farming communities more efficiently, respond promptly to farmers’ needs and also deliver timely agricultural advisory services.

Owoeye appreciated the dedication and steadfastness of the extension officers in the state for their contribution and achievement in the 50 per cent tractorisation programme of the state government under the SAfER programme in 2024. She urged them to ensure improved agricultural extension service delivery in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the extension officers, Mr Akanbi Ademola thanked Governor Makinde for improving the agriculture sector and promised to complement the efforts of the state to ensure food security.