The Oyo State Government has advised farmers in the state to closely monitor weather forecasts and climate information to ensure a productive farming season.
This advice was given by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during the flag-off of the 2026 Farming Season, Public Presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Programme
and Flag- off of the 50% Tractorisation Subsidy under the SAfER Programme held on Monday at the Local Government Service Commission Auditorium, Secretariat, Ibadan
According to Olaleye, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s (NiMet) seasonal climate prediction provides crucial information on rainfall patterns, onset and cessation of the rainy season, dry spells, and temperature variations.
“This information serves as an early warning system, enabling farmers to plan effectively, select suitable crops, and determine the optimal planting time for improved yields”, he said
Olaleye noted that parts of Oyo State are expected to experience varying dry spell conditions during the 2026 farming season, emphasizing the need for farmers to follow weather advisories and agricultural extension guidance to minimize climate-related risks.
“Today’s sensitisation on weather forecasting formally marks the
commencement of another agricultural planting season calendar Our primary
objective is to equip our farmers with essential knowledge regarding weather
predictions that will significantly influence agricultural production throughout the
state, thereby ensuring they are well-prepared for a productive and successful
planting season
“Complementing this effort, I am pleased to formally flag off the 50% Tractorisation
Subsidy Programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER)
initiative, and to share with you the progress, impact, and future direction of this
transformative programme.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy of Oyo State, employing
thousands of smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to food supply and the rural livelihoods.
“However, land preparation has traditionally been labour
intensive,time-consuming, and costly-limiting productivity, reducing farm sizes,
and constraining food output. To address these challenges, the Government of oyo
State introduced the 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, under which the State Government subsidises 50% of the cost of land ploughing, making mechanised farming more accessible, affordable, and efficient for our farmers.
“The objectives of this programme are clear: to reduce the cost of land preparation
tor farmers; to promote mechanised farming for increased productivity and higher
yields; to improve the income of smallholder farmers; and to encourage the
adoption of modern agricultural practices through strengthened extension
of support services.” he said
Emmanuel Udoh, Oyo State Contact person of NiMet, cautioned farmers against being misled by early rainfall, stressing that the first rain of the year doesn’t necessarily mark the beginning of the planting season.
He advised farmers to wait until soil moisture reaches about 50% before planting .
Earlier in her welcome adreres , the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye
restated the ministry’ s commitment to strengthening collaboration with
NiMET and all relevant agencies to ensure that climate information reaches the grassroots in a clear, timely, and actionable format.
” We are equally committed to improving our extension services so that seasonal forecasts translate into real and measurable improvements in farm productivity and resilience, Climate-smart agriculture is not a distant aspiration – it is the work we are doing today.” She said
The event had in attendance the Directors of Agriculture in the 33 Local Government Areas , Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Oyo State chapter, Mr Abass Adewunmi, Chairmen and Chairpersons of Co-operative Farmers Associations, Civil Society Organizations and NGOs, representatives of Justice, Development and Peace Commission JDPC among others.
