Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting food production and improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers through agricultural subsidies, distribution of farm inputs, training and other support programmes.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated this on Thursday while delivering keynote address at 2026 World Food Day celebration held at House of Chiefs, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Olaleye said government interventions have contributed to agricultural development and helped ease challenges confronting smallholder farmers.
According to him, more than 8,000 farmers benefited from 50 per cent tractor ploughing subsidy between January and September 2026, while over 21,000 bags of fertilizer were distributed free to farmers between 2024 and 2025.
He added that 8,000 farmers received soil-testing training in 2026, while reconstruction of key rural-urban roads has improved access to farming communities and facilitated movement of agricultural produce to markets.
Speaking on theme of 2026 World Food Day, ‘Innovation Today, Nourish Tomorrow’, Olaleye said it aligns with state government’s agricultural development agenda and need to adopt modern, sustainable approaches to food production.
He said theme challenges stakeholders to move beyond conventional farming methods by embracing innovation, technology, research and sustainable agricultural practices to transform sector.
Olaleye noted that state government is promoting climate-smart agriculture, improved seeds and livestock breeds, appropriate mechanisation services, irrigation, efficient storage facilities and improved processing technologies.
He assured farmers that government will sustain support for programmes designed to increase productivity, strengthen value chains, empower women and youths, promote agribusiness and enhance food security.
In his remarks, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewunmi Abass, commended state government for interventions, particularly in providing loans and agricultural inputs, but urged government to intensify efforts to address insecurity affecting farming communities. across the state.
He emphasised the need for sustained government support to protect farmers, improve their access to essential resources and create an enabling environment for increased food production.
