Oyo state government in its efforts to boost food production and also to support indigenous farmers across the geo political zones of the state on Thursday flagged-off digital soil testing for no fewer than 100 communities.
The essence of the digital soil testing initiative is to assist the farmers in the state to identify an healthy soil suitable for a particular crops which in return will enhance productivity, increased farm produce, profitability, increased in crops yield among others.
In his address at the flag off ceremony of the initiative held at the Otiri Village, Ipapo/Iseyin Farm Settlement along Ipapo/Saki Road, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye noted that the state government under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde recognized the crucial roles that farmers play in ensuring food safety and sustainability of agriculture in the state, stressing that the soil testing will covered 100 communities in the agrarian local government areas in the State.
Olasunkanmi said, “Soil is the foundation upon which the success of all agricultural endeavors rest.
He further said that, “Healthy soil not only supports the growth of crops but also contributes to environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience.”
“Through the training and registration of farmers on soil health, we aim to empower agricultural community with the knowledge and resources necessary to optimize soil fertility and productivity, by understanding the unique characteristics of the soil and implementing appropriate soil management practices, we can enhance crop yields, improve farm profitability and safe-guard long term viability of agricultural lands.”
“The training and registration of farmers will enable us to gather valuable data on the soil health status of our farming areas identify potential challenges, and opportunities and tailor interventions to address specific needs. By collaborating with OCP Africa, targeted strategies to promote soil conservation could be developed and the use of appropriate soil amendments could also be achieved.”
“As we embark on this exercise to improve soil health and advance sustainable agriculture, I call upon all Extension agents and farmers to actively participate in the registration process and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. This present administration acknowledges the efforts OCP Africa in striving to build a resilient and thriving agricultural sector that meets the needs of current and future generation.”
“Let me say without equivocation that the recent removal of fuel subsidies has presented our farming community with unprecedented challenges. The increased expenses for fuel and tractorization are added burdens to our farmers already grappling with various other operational costs. Recognizing these challenges, the State Government under the leadership of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde has swiftly moved to implement measures to mitigate the effect of this policy change. Thus, the birth of Sustainable Actions for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative.”
“May I inform you that the State Government has distributed maize grain to poultry farmers, feeds to fish farmers, pig farmers, free vaccination of cattle farmers, distribution of feeds to sheep and goat farmers, distribution of inputs such as hybrid maize seeds, herbicides, pesticides, ongoing fertilizers distribution to farmers across the state and we have also introduced subsidy on the use of tractor which is known as tractorization among others.”
“The State Government has not relented in its commitment to enhance increase farm produce. Hence, the need to embark on soil testing in 100 hundred communities.” Olaleye said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Christiana Ajiboye maintained that the soil testing program is crucial to the future of agricultural sector in the state.
She noted that the soil testing initiative will avail farmers the opportunity to be trained on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and registering of farmers into a comprehensive database.
She said, “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and the prosperity of our nation is closely tied to the success of our farmers. This initiative marks a critical step towards empowering our farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to enhance productivity, ensure sustainability, and contribute to the overall food security of our nation.
“Soil Testing is the foundation of effective and sustainable farming. Understanding the composition of soils allows us to make informed decisions about crop selection, fertilizer application, and land management practices.”
“By flagging off this soil testing initiative today, we are setting the stage for a new era of precision agriculture, where each farmer can optimize their yields while preserving the health of the land for future generations.”
“Training on Good Agricultural Practices is another cornerstone of this program. GAP encompasses a range of practices that ensure food safety, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. By equipping our farmers with this knowledge, we are not only improving the quality and safety of the food we produce but also increase the yield from farm.”
“Furthermore, the Registration of Farmers into a Central Database is a step towards more effective agricultural planning and support. With accurate data, the State can better tailor its interventions, track progress, and provide targeted assistance to those who need it most. This database will serve as a vital tool for both the government and our partners in the private sector as we work together to uplift the agricultural community.” She said.
In his remarks, one of the participants and beneficiaries of the initiative, Mr Adewunmi Abass, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Oyo state Chapter lauded Governor Makinde for his timely support to the farmers in the state.
He also hinted that the farmers across all the selected local government areas for the soil testing program will benefit a lot from the initiative,stressing that the initiative will further assist the farmers to have more farm produce and increased profitability.
The event was well attended by the all the Stakeholders in agribusiness sector which includes market women leaders, traditional rulers, small and medium sized farmers, extension officials, directors from the state ministry of agriculture among others.