The Oyo State Government has cultivated 24 hectares of maize in Iseyin as part of activities under the Oyo Agricultural Initiative, AgricOyo, for the 2018 planting season.
State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Mr Oyewole Oyewumi, disclosed this during an inspection of the farm at Paapo Village, Iseyin Local Government Area.
Oyewumi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Victor Atilola, said agricultural practices in the state were gradually moving away from traditional methods towards mechanised farming.
He explained that the shift was already encouraging investment in the agricultural and agro-allied sectors, while also creating opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
According to him, the impact of government’s investment in agriculture cannot always be measured within a short period, unlike projects such as road construction whose results are immediately visible.
He said the cultivation of the 24 hectares of maize demonstrated that AgricOyo was beginning to produce tangible results since its introduction by the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Atilola described AgricOyo as one of the administration’s initiatives aimed at creating employment, reducing poverty and improving food security through the mobilisation of human and material resources across the agricultural value chain.
He said the broader objective was to strengthen agricultural production and position Oyo State as a major food-producing hub in the southern part of Nigeria.
The commissioner maintained that the initiative, launched in 2016, had also helped to increase awareness of the benefits of mechanised farming among residents.
He dismissed suggestions that AgricOyo had failed, arguing that the latest cultivation exercise was evidence that the programme was gradually yielding results.
Oyewumi commended Iseyin Local Government for complementing the state government’s efforts, urging other agrarian local governments and residents to embrace farming.
He described agriculture as a major pillar of the economy and stressed the need for greater participation in the sector.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Yekini Akanni, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Adeniyi Adekunle, appreciated Governor Ajimobi for introducing AgricOyo to the local government.
Adekunle said the council had continued to work towards ensuring that the initiative achieved its objectives and produced benefits for residents.
Earlier, the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Taiwo Adewale, said Paapo had been an important location in the development of AgricOyo since 2016.
He noted that the initiative had contributed to agricultural development in Iseyin and commended the state government, the local government administration and his team for their efforts towards the success of the programme.
The inspection provided an opportunity for officials to assess the progress of the farming project and reaffirm the government’s commitment to expanding agricultural production across Oyo State.
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