We’ll revolutionise agric sector to improve food security, says Oyo govt

The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission has dismissed claims that Southwest governors failed to implement agreed agricultural interventions.

It said that notable progress had been made, with state commissioners for agriculture meeting bi-weekly to sustain momentum. Director General of the DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, while responding to the claim, cited the successful rollout of cluster farming, especially in Ekiti, Ondo, and Ogun states.

“Ekiti’s farm clusters rose from 36 to over 100 this year. Ogun cleared and mechanised over 4,000 hectares and allocated 1,875 hectares to investors. Ondo is driving a community-based cluster model.

“Osun procured 32 new tractors, refurbished six, and subsidised land prep at N20,000 per hectare. Oyo offers a 50 per cent subsidy on tractorisation across 40,000 acres and launched its tractor training in April. Ogun added 34 tractors and refurbished 20 bulldozers. Ekiti also provides a 50 per cent subsidy and links farmers to service providers,” he said, among others.

MEANWHILE, Oyo State Government has assured the people of the state of its determination to revolutionise the agricultural sector to achieve improved food security, economic growth, as well as development.

Director-General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Dr Debo Akande, gave the assurance during a media briefing held at the Governor’s Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Akande said the current administration had succeeded in gaining $170 million in agricultural projects through public-private international partnership arrangements and policies put in place in the agricultural sector.