The Oyo State government has identified low-quality seeds as a major obstacle to the state’s agricultural development, emphasizing the need for collective effort to revitalize the seed sector.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, at a meeting with key stakeholders in the seed sector, stressed that quality seeds are essential for agricultural productivity and farmer success. He warned that if left unaddressed, low-quality seeds could undermine efforts to make agriculture a significant income source.
According to him, to tackle this challenge, the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) has been re-inaugurated, comprising stakeholders from the agricultural sector and value chain. The committee aims to diversify the economy, improve food security, create jobs, and determine the state’s seed requirements.
Olaleye commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership in agricultural development, particularly the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023. The program includes the distribution of hybrid seeds and liquid fertilizer to farmers across the state, demonstrating the government’s commitment to agricultural growth.
Recall that the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee (OYSSCC) was re-inuagurated on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 by the present government under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde, comprising all stakeholders in agricultural sector and value chain, both public and private in the state saddle with responsibility of diversifying economy towards improving food security, job creation as well as to guide and determine the state’s total seeds requirement amongst others.
He hinted that as Seed Coordinating Committee of Oyo State, there is need for every member of the committee to discharge their duties as expected in reshaping future of Seed sector which would enhance agricultural productivities and will in return brings about food security.
According to the Commissioner, “quality seeds are the foundation of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of our farmers’ success. As custodians of this critical sector, you have played an instrumental role in fostering innovation and ensuring our farmers have access to premium seeds”
Barrister Olasunkanmi, however, commended Engr. Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in agricultural development, saying that the initiatives have significantly enhanced the well-being of our farmers and citizens, particularly through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) program launched in 2023.
Stressing that the ongoing distribution of hybrid seeds which includes; tomato, bawa, tatase, rodo, okro, tete, and soko varieties along with liquid fertilizer to arable farmers across all the 33 Local Governments Area of the State, exemplifies his commitment.
He therefore pledged friendly environment for the committee to perform their duties to obtain desirable results.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye noted that the gathering represents a significant milestone in this present administration’s strategy to address food security challenges facing our state, stressing that Today’s inaugural meeting comes at a crucial time.
According to her, recognizing that seed improvement is fundamental to agricultural development, we must act swiftly to enhance both crop and animal seed quality to boost agricultural production and agribusiness across the state.
