Oyo State Government has urged farmers in the state to embrace modern methods of farming to ensure food security.
This call was made by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during a press briefing in Ibadan as part of the activities to celebrate 2023 World Food Day themed “Sustainable food systems for a healthy planet.”
He emphasized that farmers could enhance their crop and livestock yields by adopting modern farming techniques.
He pointed out that improved seeds could yield better results than traditional methods.
Under the leadership of Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State government has invested in the education and training of agricultural extension officers and farmers through various collaborative initiatives to boost food security.
Regarding the government’s efforts to ensure food security through his ministry, Olaleye revealed that approximately 285 farmers received training on emergency procedures and demonstrations of climate-resilient practices for maize, tomatoes, cassava, yam, and cowpea to increase yield.
In addition, 135 farmers were empowered with one bag each of NPK fertilizer. About 95 youths and women farmers were equally trained on processing, packaging, value addition, and utilization of yam and cassava. Furthermore, 80 of these farmers were also trained on all-season tomatoes that would bring yields all round the year.
The government has also distributed poultry feed to 2022 flood-affected poultry farmers in collaboration with the Federal Government. These efforts are aimed at improving farm yields (crops and livestock) by embracing modern forms of farming.