As part of strategic efforts targeted at modernizing agriculture and boosting crop yields towards food security in the state, the Oyo state government has launched a comprehensive digital soil testing initiative across 100 communities followed by commencement of training program for farmers in line with the new initiative.
The pilot initiative and official flag off ceremony which held on August 15, at Onitiri Village, Ipapo/Iseyin Farm Settlement, was a collaboration between the state government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and OCP Africa; a private agribusiness firm.
The program, which kicked off this week, is designed to provide farmers with precise soil data, enabling them to optimize their farming practices and increase productivity.
According to Barrister Olaleye, the initiative involves deploying advanced soil testing technology to analyze the nutrient content and composition of soil samples from participating communities in order to educate farmers on best farming practices for high yields and profitability.
While highlighting efforts of the Makinde led government in economic expansion through agriculture and agribusiness, the Commissioner said the present administration has empowered farmers with farm inputs which include distribution of over 60,000 cassava stems, fish feeds, soya beans, and fertilizers to different categories of farmers among others.
He explained further that the digital soil tests will deliver real-time data, which will be used to tailor fertilizer applications and improve soil health. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency of farming operations and reduce environmental impact by minimizing the overuse of fertilizers.
The Commissioner also stated that the Makinde led government remains committed to supporting farmers with the best tools and resources available adding that the digital soil testing initiative is a game-changer that will provide farmers with the insights they need to make informed decisions about their crops.
“As we gather here today, we recognize the crucial role that farmers play in ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the State. (No farmer, no nation!) Soil is the foundation upon which the success of all agricultural endeavors rest. 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 FNSE, D.Sc. GSSRS., 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 to crop farmers (like hybrid maize seeds, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers which is on –going) and subsidy on the use of tractor etc.
“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. We need to reaffirm our commitment as stakeholders to stewardship of the land and responsible agricultural practices. Together, we can harness the power of healthy soil to nourish our communities, protect our environment and secure a prosperous future for all.” The Commissioner said.
Participants which include members of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Oyo state chapter, Chief Mutfau Ayinla, Baale of Onitiri village, and other stakeholders present expressed their beliefs that the initiative will help address long-standing issues with soil management and increase their overall yield while appealing to the state government to address the issue of cattles destruction of farms.
The President of AFAN in Oyo state, Adewumi Abass Adekunle, in his remarks while fielding question Ms from newsmen lauded the Makinde led government for the initiative describing it as timely and long overdue. He maintained that farmers would be better equipped with requisite farming knowledge that would help them minimize risks and challenges associated with recording high yields at harvest time.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Christiana Abosede Abioye said the initiative was crucial to sustainable and profitable agricultural practice and the efforts geared towards food security in the state, describing it as the future of agriculture.
“It is with great pleasure and honor that I stand before you today as we embark on this vital journey of soil testing, training of farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and registering of farmers into a comprehensive database.
“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.” Mrs. Abioye said.