Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and strengthening its partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance agricultural practices and boost food security across the state.
The state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, gave the assurance when he received the newly-appointed FAO Country Representative, Dr Hussein Gadain, who paid him a visit.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musbau Babatunde, who represented the governor at the event, stated that the current administration was committed to harnessing strategic partnerships with international development organisations like the FAO.
He said the essence of such partnerships was to promote innovation, boost agricultural productivity, and achieve sustainable rural development.
He said agriculture remained a key pillar in the state’s economic agenda, adding that collaboration with global bodies would further support farmers with modern techniques, capacity building, and access to improved inputs.
The scribe to the state government also highlighted the various interventions of the state government in the agricultural sector.
He stressed that Oyo State is open to more technical support and knowledge exchange that would enhance value chains and promote food sufficiency.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, explained that the present administration has made significant progress in the agricultural sector.
He highlighted key interventions such as the promotion of mechanised agricultural farming.
The interventions, he said, included the introduction of a 50 percent tractorization subsidy to support farmers, distribution of improved seedlings and farm inputs.
He also mentioned the provision of fertilizers at subsidized rates, rehabilitation of rural farm roads, irrigation support programmes, and strengthening of extension services to reach farmers at the grassroots.
Olaleye added that the Oyo State government has also intensified efforts in livestock development, fisheries support, youth engagement in agribusiness, and the promotion of agro-processing and value addition to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmers’ income.
In his remarks, the FAO Country Representative, Dr Gadain, commended the Oyo State government for its proactive approach to agricultural development.
He expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness development, and food systems transformation.
Dr. Gadain further highlighted the contributions of the FAO to agricultural development in Nigeria.
These, he said, included support for smallholder farmers through capacity building, provision of climate-resilient seeds, promotion of sustainable farming practices, pest and disease control interventions, and strengthening of food systems.
The FAO Country Representative noted that the organisation has also been actively involved in supporting farmers with early warning systems, digital agricultural solutions, and resilience-building programmes aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security nationwide.
