By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Saturday July 6, 2024
Please, share this story:
The Oyo State Government has launched a comprehensive training program for farmers in rural communities, as part of its continued efforts to enhance food security.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, indicated that while declaring the training open on Thursday at the Oyo State-International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the programme was first of its kind in the state’s history under Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure.
He said the program aimed to reduce unemployment and increase food production, with 62 participants selected from various rural communities undergoing intensive training to enhance their agricultural skills and knowledge.
He hinted that each participant had been allocated two acres of land to cultivate, with over 200 acres of maize farm already cultivated within the State-IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, saying the initiative was expected to ensure food sufficiency in the coming months.
According to the Agric Commissioner, the 62 farmers were selected from different local governments in the state and they would undergo training in good agricultural practices in different farming enterprises for the next year.
“Each participant was allocated two acres of farmland as demonstration farm; and they are also given free inputs like maize seed, cassava stems, herbicides, among others,” he was quoted as saying.
He emphasized that the training program, which would be taken to communities and villages in the state, was aimed at promoting good agricultural practices, increasing food production, and food security in the state.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Christianah Abioye, commended the participants for their cooperation and urged them to take the training seriously, as the government would provide necessary materials.
Speaking on the journey so far, the IITA Park Manager, Mr. Oni Waheed, expressed excitement about the initiative, acknowledging the government’s support.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the participants’ captain, Reverend (Dr.) Idowu David expressed gratitude to the government and IITA and promised to make the most of the training and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in Oyo State.
He said the program was a significant step towards achieving the state government’s agenda to promote agriculture and reduce unemployment and was expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the participants and the overall agricultural sector in the state.
We are here to serve you with quality news and information.
However, your donations, reactions, and advert placement are welcome.
Contact us on 08033783144 (WhatsApp)
08023469999
idowuadelusi@yahoo.com, idowuadelusi@gmail.com,
thepathfindernews0@gmail.com
Follow our reports also on X @idowuadelusi and Facebook (Idowu Oluwole Adelusi)