Determined to boost food security, the Oyo State government has begun the first phase of distribution of motorcycles to agricultural extension officers across the state.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, gave out 15 motorcycles to the agricultural extension officers on Tuesday, noting that they serve as links between researchers and farmers.
He said extension officers play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to smallholder farmers to enhance productivity, improve farmers’ standard of living and ensure food security in the state.
He explained that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration will focus on addressing some of the pressing challenges facing agricultural extension services, including systemic decline driven by several key factors.
Olaleye said: “I am highly delighted to welcome you to the distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles to officers/extension agents in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Agricultural extension officers (agents) are the link between the researchers and the farmers.
“They play a critical role in the dissemination of innovations and technologies to the smallholder farmers, which will invariably increase their productivity and improve their standard of living and ensure food security in the state.
“Therefore, the Oyo State government, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, approved the purchase of BAJAJ motorcycles for the agricultural extension agents in the state to enhance agricultural extension service delivery.
“You will all agree with me that one of the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural extension officers is the systemic decline, driven by several key factors which include critical shortage of extension agents due to retirements without adequate replacement.
“Other factors are young people’s reluctance to pursue careers in agriculture and entrepreneurship, lack of sufficient training and professional development of extension agents and lack of proper transportation resources, making it difficult for them to reach and serve farmers in remote villages.
“In ameliorating the observed challenges, the present administration has embarked on programmes, projects and provision of manpower, including this distribution of BAJAJ motorcycles that we are witnessing today.
“Other interventions include: Start Them Early Programme (STEP) to encourage agricultural interest in secondary school students being replicated in eight zones of Oyo State.
The government just concluded the recruitment of 161 officers across cadres in the Ministry.
“Last year, we also embarked on the training of 131 extension agents across the 33 LGAs and LCDAs on the use of digital applications to measure farmland under the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER).
“Also, we embarked on the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy programme under SAfER where 1,487 farmers benefited, and a total of 6,009.4083 acres of land was ploughed throughout the state.
“On this note, I have the singular honour and privilege to implore the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to bridge the gap between researchers and farmers to boost food production, improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural service delivery.”
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, noted that the distribution of the motorcycles to agricultural extension officers across the state would serve as tools of transformation.
She said they will be able to access remote farming communities more efficiently, respond promptly to farmers’ needs and also deliver timely agricultural advisory services.
Mrs Owoeye appreciated the dedication and steadfastness of the extension officers in the state for their contribution and achievement in the 50 per cent tractorisation programme of the state government under the SAfER programme in 2024.
The permanent secretary however urged them to ensure improved agricultural extension service delivery in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the agricultural extension officers, Mr Akanbi Ademola thanked Governor Makinde for improving the agriculture sector and promised to complement the efforts of the state government to ensure food security in the state.
