‘All hands on deck to revitalise seeds sector’

The Oyo State government says one of the major problems plaguing the agricultural sector is low quality seeds, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalise the seeds sector for rich yields and harvest. 

Recall that the OYSSCC was re-inaugurated on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 by the current government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, comprising all stakeholders in agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state, saddled with responsibility of diversifying economy towards improving food security, job creation, as well as to guide and determine the state’s total seeds requirement amongst others.

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

The commissioner 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 stressed that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds – tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties alongside liquid fertiliser to arable farmers across all the 33 local councils exemplifies his commitment. He, therefore, pledged friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties to obtain desirable results. 

In her welcome address, the Permanent, 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 the inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time. 

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