Home News Food Security: Oyo to Revamp Seed Sector

Food Security: Oyo to Revamp Seed Sector

by AgroNigeria

The Oyo State Government has emphasized the critical challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly the widespread issue of substandard seeds, calling for a united effort to revitalize the seed industry in order to increase crop yields and ensure abundant harvests. This announcement came as the State Seed Coordinating Committee was re-inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, during a meeting with agricultural stakeholders in Ibadan, the state capital, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, addressed the pressing need for quality seeds to be at the heart of the agricultural strategy. 

He stressed that high-quality seeds are fundamental to the success of farming, serving as the building blocks for agricultural productivity and the economic growth of the state.

Olaleye warned that if the issue of poor-quality seeds is not addressed, efforts to elevate agriculture as a significant income-generating sector could be severely hampered. 

He pointed out that the quality of seeds available to farmers directly influences crop yields, and that improving the availability of high-grade seeds is essential for the state’s agricultural sustainability.

The Commissioner highlighted that the re-inauguration of the State Seed Coordinating Committee marks a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to enhance the agricultural sector. 

At the inaugural meeting, key stakeholders gathered to discuss ways to introduce and identify improved seed varieties to distribute to farmers across the state. 

Olaleye emphasized the urgency of ensuring that each committee member fulfills their responsibilities effectively, noting that their efforts would reshape the future of the seed sector and contribute significantly to food security in Oyo State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner also took the opportunity to commend Governor Makinde for his forward-thinking leadership in the area of agricultural development. 

He pointed to the governor’s commitment, reflected in the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds—such as those for tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okra, tete, and soko—along with liquid fertilizers to arable farmers across the 33 local government areas of the state. This initiative underscores the administration’s focus on improving farming practices and enhancing food production throughout Oyo State.

Olaleye reassured stakeholders that the state government would continue to provide a supportive environment for the Seed Coordinating Committee to carry out its duties effectively. 

He expressed confidence that, with the right resources and cooperation, the committee would drive the changes needed to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure that Oyo State is well-positioned to meet its food security goals.

Abosede Owoeye, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, also addressed the gathering, recognizing the meeting as a significant milestone in the current administration’s strategy to address food security challenges in the state. 

Owoeye emphasized that the meeting represented a turning point in the collective effort to improve agricultural outcomes and create a more secure and sustainable food system for the people of Oyo State.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

AgroNigeria

AgroNigeria is a pioneer brand for agricultural “online” news publishing through its media publishing platform available 24hrs to over 30 Million internet users within Nigeria and other online readers internationally.

© 2024 AgroNigeria. All rights reserved. Developed by Godswill

Newsletter sign up!

 Sign up to receive our daily newsletter.