By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo government has noted that the problems plaguing the agricultural sector has been that of low quality seeds, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalise the seeds sector for rich yields and harvest.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye made the disclosure during a meeting with key stakeholders in the seed sector.
Olaleye said quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of farmer’s success.
Olaleye added that if not addressed, low quality seeds will eventually defeat the quest to make agricultural production a major income earners.
According to him, the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee and other stakeholders in agricultural sector had their first inaugural meeting to deliberate on how to discover and introduce improved seeds to farmers that would promote agricultural productivities.
Recall that the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) was re-inuagurated on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 by the present government.
The committee comprising all stakeholders in agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state was saddle with responsibility of diversifying the economy towards improving food security, job creation as well as to guide and determine the state’s total seeds requirement amongst others.
He said, as Seed Coordinating Committee of the state, there is need for every member of the committee to discharge their duties as expected in reshaping future of seed sector which would enhance agricultural productivities and will in return brings about food security.
According to the Commissioner, “quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of our farmers’ success. As custodians of this critical sector, you have played an instrumental role in fostering innovation and ensuring our farmers have access to premium seeds”.
Olaleye however commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agricultural development, saying that the initiatives have significantly enhanced the well-being of farmers and citizens, particularly through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023.
He stressed that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds which includes; tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties along with liquid fertilizer to arable farmers across all the 33 local governments area of the state, exemplifies his commitment.
He therefore pledged friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties to obtain desirable results.
In her welcome address, the Permanent, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye noted that the gathering represents a significant milestone in this present administration’s strategy to address food security challenges facing the state, stressing that the inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time.
According to her, recognizing that seed improvement is fundamental to agricultural development, she urged every member to act swiftly to enhance both crop and animal seed quality to boost agricultural production and agribusiness across the state.
