In a bid to enhance food security in Oyo State, the Oyo Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (OYO-CARES) has launched the fourth phase of agricultural inputs distribution to 300 crop and livestock farmers in Ido Local Government Area. This initiative, part of the Nigeria Community Action Resilience and Economic Stimulus (N-CARES), aims to support 3,660 farmers across 26 local government areas in Oyo State.
Farmers received essential inputs, including NPK fertilizers, maize and tomato seeds, herbicides, and goats. The support also includes capacity building and extension services, equipping farmers with the tools needed to increase productivity.
According to Mr. Bamigbola Kolawole, State Project Coordinator for N-CARES, the 300 beneficiaries were drawn from three Farmers Community Associations (FCA), including participants from the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP). The farmers were grouped into clusters based on their focus—140 livestock farmers, 140 maize and cassava farmers, and 20 tomato farmers.
“This initiative aims to boost food production in Oyo State. By providing fertilizers, agro-chemicals, and seeds to crop farmers, and livestock to animal farmers, we are giving them the support they need to succeed,” said Kolawole.
The Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Adeojo, praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support of farmers, noting the positive impact of these efforts on agricultural activities in the region.
In Afijio, Oyo West, and other local government areas, similar distribution exercises took place. Farmers in these regions received farm inputs tailored to their specific needs, with cassava and maize farmers receiving seeds, fertilizers, and herbicides, while livestock farmers were given goats.
Farmers expressed gratitude for the timely support. “This initiative came at the right time, and we will make the best use of the inputs provided,” said Ishola Olajumoke, a cassava and maize farmer, and Ridwan Akinade, a YEAP beneficiary.
Local government chairmen, including Afijio’s Hon. Emmanuel Olufemi Aikomo, emphasized the importance of using the inputs effectively to complement state efforts toward food security.
The distribution highlights the Oyo-CARES commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth across the state.
