The Oyo State Government has resuscitated the State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) in a bid to revitalise agricultural productivity, ensure food security and improve farmers’ livelihood.
Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Ibadan, Gov. Seyi Makinde said the resuscitation was a critical step towards promoting food security through enhanced seed quality.
Makinde, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, maintained that his administration had made several efforts at boosting agriculture in the state.
He said his administration placed priority on agricltural development “because it recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth and reducing poverty.
“And OYSSCC will play a vital role in achieving this goal.
“The seed committee which was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic was made up of crop seed producers only, but will now be an all-encompassing committee, aimed at seed multiplication.
“It will extend to both crops cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities which can affect agriculture positively.
“Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, weaners, inputs for farmers, develop the seed sector and farm machines through the participation and collaboration of private sector.”
The governor charged the committee to be dedicated to the assignment, saying its role was crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production.
He further stated that the various agricultural programmes under his administration’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) were aimed at improving the general well-being of farmers.
Makinde said the implementation of the SAfER programmes, which started in November 2023, was still ongoing.
He said 2,800 poultry farmers, 1,150 fish farmers, 1,028 pig farmers, 2,536 sheep/goat farmers and 2,889 crop farmers have been given grains, fish feeds, palm kernel cake, among others, respectively.
The governor further stated that 1,400 farmers have benefitted from 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy where 6,000 acres of land were ploughed.
“The sum of N1 billion was released as soft agricultural loans to farmers,” he added.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Oyo State, Mr Adewunmi Abass, in his remarks urged the state government to resuscitate irrigation farming in the state.
According to Abass, irrigation farming will give room for all -season farming and boost food production in the state.
He also charged the seed committee to ensure that high yield seedlings were made available to farmers.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Christianah Abioye, is the committee’s chairperson.
NAN
