Farmers in Oyo State have been encouraged to rely on seasonal weather forecasts when planning their agricultural activities as the 2026 planting season begins.
The appeal was made by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, during the official launch of the new farming season held at the Local Government Staff Hall within the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan.
Olaleye explained that information contained in seasonal climate outlooks can help farmers make better decisions about planting and other farm operations. According to him, such forecasts provide details on expected rainfall patterns, the likely beginning and end of the rainy season, the expected length of the growing period, temperature trends and the possibility of dry spells.
He noted that the 2026 forecast released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency points to the likelihood of dry spells in some local government areas of the state, stressing that farmers must take this information into account while preparing for the season.
At the same event, the commissioner also inaugurated the fifty per cent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the state’s SAfER initiative. The programme is designed to improve farmers’ access to mechanised farming services and reduce the cost of land preparation.
Olaleye said the tractorisation programme, which started in 2024, has already supported many farmers across the state by helping to plough large areas of farmland. He added that the initiative has reduced labour challenges and enabled farmers to begin planting at the appropriate time.
Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Peter Ojedokun, who attended the event, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritising agricultural growth and introducing policies aimed at supporting farmers.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, said the simultaneous launch of the farming season, the climate outlook and the tractor subsidy programme reflects the government’s determination to strengthen agricultural production in the state.
In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Samson Adetunji, applauded the initiative and assured farmers of continued support from the Federal Government.
Similarly, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Adewumi Abass, advised farmers to pay close attention to the seasonal forecasts and align their farming practices with the information provided to reduce possible risks during the season.
