As part of efforts to enhance food security, the Oyo Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (OYO-CARES) has commenced the fourth phase of the distribution of farm inputs and livestock to 300 farmers in Ido local government area of the state.
The exercise is aimed at distributing agricultural inputs and provision of capacity building and extension services to 3,660 beneficiaries in 26 local government areas of Oyo State under the Nigeria Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES).
The inputs distributed include NPK fertilizers, maize seeds and tomato seeds, one litre of herbicide chemicals, goats, among others.
The state project coordinator, result area two for N-CARES, Mr Bamigblola Kolawole disclosed that the beneficiaries comprise farmers from three Farmers Community Associations (FCA) which included beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP).
According to him, the 300 beneficiaries were grouped into 10 farmers each, with 140 livestock farmers, another 140 cassava and maize farmers and 20 tomato farmers.
He explained further that while the crop farmers got fertilizers, agro-chemicals and seeds, the livestock farmers received goats.
“This is the major support we are giving to them and the essence of this is to assist these farmers to increase food production in the state and this is not the first time we are doing such in Ido local government,” he said.
Earlier, the chairman of Ido local government area, Sheriff Adeojo appreciated the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for the initiative which he said would greatly support farmers in the council to enhance agricultural activities in the area.
He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for the intended purpose assuring that the state government would continue to support farmers to boost food production in the state and the county at large.
A maize and cassava farmer, Ishola Olajumoke and a beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, Ridwane Akinade appreciated the support to farmers which they said came at the right time assuring that the inputs would be judiciously utilised.
