Oyo State government has launched a comprehensive training programme for farmers in rural communities as part of its continued efforts to enhance food security.
Declaring the training open at the Oyo State- IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that the programme was first of its kind in the state’s history under Governor Seyi Makinde’s tenure.
He said that the programme aims 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 disclosed that each participant had been allocated two acres of land to cultivate, with over 200 acres of maize farm already cultivated within the Oyo State-IITA Youth Incubation Park Centre, Awe, saying the initiative was expected to ensure food sufficiency in the coming months.
According to him, 62 farmers selected from different local governments in the state will undergo training in good agricultural practices in different farming enterprises for the next one year.
He added that each participant was allocated two acres of farmland as a demonstration farm, and were also given free inputs like maize seed, cassava stems, herbicides amongst others.
He emphasized that the training programme that will be taken to Communities and villages in Oyo State was aimed at promoting good agricultural practices, increasing food production and food security in the state.
In her welcome address, 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 will provide necessary materials.
