Gov Adeleke commits N10bn to farm inputs, unveils 31 tractors
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has unveiled 31 newly purchased tractors equipped with full implements for the use of farmers across the state. In addition, he announced a significant commitment of N8 billion for the acquisition of tractors and farm-clearing equipment, along with an additional N2 billion allocated for farm input support.
At the event, held at the Agricultural Input Supply Unit (AISU) in Ede, the state also distributed 6,000 herbicides, 80,000 cashew seedlings, 8,000 cassava cuttings, various vegetable seeds, and 500 bags of lime. These resources were provided to farmers, women’s associations, people living with disabilities, and government schools with large farmlands.
Governor Adeleke highlighted that the distribution of tractors marks the first phase of the project. The tractors will be made available to farmers’ cooperative societies and associations after completing the necessary administrative procedures.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to investing in agriculture to ensure food security for the people of Osun State. The governor remarked, “No leader with a conscience would be happy to see that his people are struggling to make ends meet and feed their families.”
During the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Otunba Tola Faseru, expressed concern over the rate of food insecurity in the country. He attributed this issue to various factors, including the neglect of food production, the lackadaisical attitudes of youths towards farming, poverty, environmental degradation, ongoing conflict, and climate change.
He also commended the Federal Government for releasing various brands of fertilizer (NK & Urea) and assured that the state would continue to enhance its collaboration with the Federal Government on the National Agricultural Land Clearing Programme, input supply, and other initiatives aimed at achieving food security and employment generation in the state.
Governor Adeleke also presented a cheque for N8,600,000 to each poultry farmer participating in the Osun Broiler Outgrower Production Scheme (OBOPS). Under this program, each farmer is sponsored to raise 2,000 day-old broiler chicks to table size within six weeks. This cycle will be continuously repeated, with an off-taker buying back the birds from each farmer, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural development in the state.
