To commemorate World Food Day, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke outlined significant achievements and future plans for the state’s agricultural sector during a gathering attended by farmers from various crop sectors.
Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to food security in Osun State and called for enhanced efforts from the Food Security Implementation Committee, which he established earlier this year.
“As part of our efforts to boost productivity, our government procured 31 brand new tractors,” Adeleke said. “This delivery marks the first phase, with additional tractors expected soon. We have begun the deployment process to local governments.”
He added that the tractors would be equipped with tracking devices to secure the assets, and a private sector-based management plan is being finalized. Partnerships with farmers’ associations will facilitate the leasing of the tractors for agricultural use.
“Our immediate, short, medium, and long-term plans focus on sustainable usage of the tractors,” he said, emphasizing the goal of establishing a solid foundation for farm mechanization, including plans for a technical center for maintenance.
Adeleke announced that talks have begun with Machine Tools Limited in Osogbo to localize tractor production and maintenance. This partnership aims to enhance technical skills for agropreneurs across the state.
“We have launched an agropreneur project, with each local government expected to provide at least 1,000 hectares for a special incubation farming initiative for young agropreneurs,” he added. The state is collaborating with the German Development Agency (GIZ) to train and empower these agropreneurs, with initial training focused on the cashew sector and the second phase on rice production.
He urged local governments to expedite the availability of the requested land for the farming project, instructing the Commissioner for Agriculture and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs to ensure swift action.
“We are building an agro-based, export-oriented economy that will secure food security, expand access to food, and create jobs for our youth,” Adeleke stated.
The governor also shared insights from a recent livestock conference he attended in France, where he explored new practices in livestock farming and established partnerships for future collaboration.
In support of local farmers, Adeleke announced the distribution of herbicides, vegetable seedlings, and fertilizers at no cost, emphasizing his administration’s goal to position Osun State as the agro-industrial capital of the Southwest.
He expressed gratitude to the farmers for their support and promised ongoing collaboration to achieve the shared vision of making Osun State an agro-industrial hub.
In his welcome address, Hon. Tola Faseru, Commissioner for Agriculture, highlighted the government’s various initiatives, including the distribution of 6,000 packs of vegetable seedlings, 8,000 liters of herbicides and fertilizers, and cassava cuttings and cashew seedlings.
Faseru noted that the ministry has also trained youths, women, and people with disabilities in pig production, providing them with piglets, tools, feeds, and stipends to kick-start their businesses. He mentioned that 25 poultry farmers in the state were empowered with N8.6 million each through the Osun Broilers Outgrower Production Scheme to boost poultry production.
Alhaji Safiriyu Aremu, president of the Association of Farmers in Nigeria (AFAN) for Osun State, commended the government for its support and pledged continued backing for Governor Adeleke’s administration.
The event also featured the presentation of crop gifts and an exhibition of various farm produce.