Farmers rejoice as OYSADA Concludes 5th Phase of N-CARES Farm Inputs Distribution.
By Adewale Owoade
The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has successfully completed the fifth phase of its statewide N-CARES agricultural inputs distribution program, reaching farmers in all 33 local government areas, including Ona-Ara, Egbeda, and Kajola.
Speaking during the concluding phase, OYSADA Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, emphasised that the initiative is a strategic investment in the state’s future, aimed at securing food systems and empowering smallholder farmers.
“This is more than input distribution, it’s about securing our food systems. Every seed, every bag of fertiliser is a building block for sustainable agriculture. We want our farmers to see themselves as entrepreneurs who feed our people and fuel our economy,” Akande said.
In Ona-Ara Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, praised the state government’s total support for grassroots farming.
“This is a timely boost for our farmers. With the cost of farm inputs skyrocketing, such support ensures that food production in Ona-Ara will not be compromised,” he said.
Beneficiary Mr. Akeem Ajibade, who cultivates maize and yam, expressed relief, He said, “Before now, I had delayed planting because I couldn’t afford fertiliser. Now I can proceed and expect a good harvest.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Adijat Ayinde, noted, “This support means my family can farm without borrowing money from local lenders who charge high interest.”
In Egbeda Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Oyedele Sikiru Sanda, represented by Mr. Taiwo Job, assured that the state’s agricultural support would remain consistent.
“This is not a one-off thing. The state’s agribusiness vision is long-term, and Egbeda will remain a priority in this agenda,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Owonikoko Kareem, said, “With these improved seeds, I’m certain of better yields than last year.”
Mrs. Funmilayo Oke, a vegetable and maize farmer, in her remarks added, “The herbicides alone will save me days of weeding and reduce my costs drastically.”
In Kajola Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Mustapha Akeem Olawale hailed the intervention as a revival of rural farming communities.
“Our farmers are resilient, but they need this kind of support to keep producing and to pass the farming culture to the next generation,” he said.
Beneficiary Mr. Sulaimon Adegoke shared: “I farm maize and cassava, but last year’s poor input access almost ruined me. This year will be different.”
Mrs. Kafayat Olaniyan added, “This is the first time I’m receiving government support directly. It feels like our efforts are finally being recognized.”
Atisbo Local Government also received the N-CARES team, as Chairman Hon. Wasiu Olumuyiwa Alade, represented by Secretary to the Local Government Hon. Oderinde Johnson Owolabi JP, applauded OYSADA for bringing the programme to Atisbo farmers. “Our farmers are hardworking, but the high cost of inputs has been discouraging. This intervention gives them the motivation to keep farming,” he said.
In Saki East Local Government, Chairman Hon. Prince Adedokun Emmanuel Olalekan said the programme was restoring confidence among farmers.
“With these inputs, our farmers can plant on time and get higher yields, which will boost both household income and local food supply,” he said.
Baale Agbe for Saki East, Chief Isaila Adegbiji, remarked: “This is the kind of support that sustains rural farming communities for generations.”
In Oorelope Local Government, Vice Chairman Hon. Wasiu Babatunde Adewale, representing Executive Chairman Hon. Alabi Joseph Adekunle.
The council chairman in his address said, “We will ensure these inputs reach genuine farmers who will use them effectively to feed the community.”
Baale Agbe, Chief Oladuni Isaiah Adeola, said: “Government support like this renews our hope in farming as a profitable livelihood.” Iyalode Agbe, Mrs. Bamidele Adijat, added: “I can now expand my farmland without fear of debt.”
In Irepo Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Olayiwola Tunde Taoheed said the support was timely for the planting season. “This is how we build food security, empowering our farmers at the right time,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Secretary to the Local Government Muhammed Jamiu Adulbakky and Chief of Staff Prince Jelil Adewale Arowoduye thanked the state for prioritizing rural farmers.
In Olorunsogo Local Government, Chairman Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, represented by Secretary to the Local Government Mr. James Gbadebo Aremu, said: “Olorunsogo has vast farmlands, and with these inputs, we will see higher productivity this season.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Director of Agriculture Mr. Adesupo Emmanuel Olusola noted the government’s commitment to agriculture. Soybean farmer Ogunkeye Ayodele Monshud said: “This will help me increase yield and meet market demand.”
In Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Chairman Hon. Oluwaseun Ojo urged farmers to make the best use of the distributed items.
He further said, “When we invest in farmers, we invest in the future of our communities,” he said.
Hon. Oyekale Idowu, speaking for the beneficiaries, said: “We’ve been waiting for this kind of support; it will go a long way in improving our output.” Farmer Ojewusi Simeon added: “This intervention came at the perfect time.”
In Surulere Local Government, Chairman Hon. Isaiah Adegbite said the programme would help stabilize food prices.
He said, “When farmers can produce more, everybody benefits, from the farm to the market,” he said.
Cassava farmer Chief James Olawale expressed gratitude, he sa “I can now process more cassava without worrying about high input costs.”
AFAN Chairman of the LGA, Ojeleye Amos, added, “This support will improve yields and strengthen our association’s capacity.”
In Oriire Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Alabi Olateju Aremu described the programme as “a direct investment in the survival of rural farming.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ayantoyinbo Ayandosun Kehinde, Head of Local Government Mr. Williams Jare Idowu, and Director of Administration and General Services praised OYSADA’s commitment to all LGAs. “We are seeing first-hand the impact of government investment in agriculture,” Kehinde said.
Across all participating LGAs, farmers received NPK fertilizers, improved maize seeds, soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax legume inoculants worth millions of naira.
Each beneficiary received at least N100,000 worth of farm inputs, boosting their productivity and food security.
