Oyo State government has tasked farmers in the state to avail themselves of opportunities provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the areas of credible weather forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the state’s 50 percent tractorisation subsidy programme.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye gave the advice at the official flag-off of the 2026 farming season held at the Local Government Training Hall, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

At the event attended by stakeholders in the agriculture sector in the state, the commissioner lauded the Governor Seyi Makinde administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring food security, which according to him led to the introduction of the 50 percent tractorisation subsidy under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery, SAfER, the conduct of a digital soil test and other initiatives in the agriculture sector.

‎The commissioner explained that access to reliable weather information would enable farmers to make informed decisions during their farming activities, while the 50 percent subsidy on the cost of hiring tractors would ease the burden of farmers on land preparation, which is a key component of farming.

He noted that Oyo State government had recorded significant progress in the agricultural sector through these interventions.

“It is my great honour to welcome you all to this crucial gathering convened to advance our agricultural sector through strategic measures aimed at mitigating the effects of weather and climate change.

“The annual seasonal climate prediction serves as an indispensable early warning system, providing vital information on the outset and cessation of rainy season, the change in atmospheric conditions, annual rainfall projections, potential dry spell occurrences and temperature variations.

“According to the 2026 seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET, Oyo State will experience very dry spell conditions across the different local government areas. Today’s sensitisation on weather forecasting formally marks the commencement of another agricultural planting season calendar.

“Our primary objective is to equip our farmers with essential knowledge regarding weather predictions that will significantly influence agricultural production throughout the state, thereby ensuring they are well prepared for a productive and successful planting season.

“Complementing these efforts, I am pleased to formally flag off the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery initiative, SAfER, and to share with you the progress, impact and future direction of this transformative programme.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy of Oyo State, employing thousands of smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to food supply and rural livelihood. However, land preparation has traditionally been labour-intensive, time-consuming and costly, limiting productivity, reducing farm sizes and constraining food output.

“To address these challenges, the Government of Oyo State introduced the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, under which the state government subsidises 50 percent of the cost of land ploughing, making mechanised farming more accessible, affordable and efficient for our farmers. The objectives of this programme are clear, to reduce the cost of land preparation for farmers, to promote mechanised farming for increased productivity and higher yield, to improve the income of smallholder farmers, and to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices through strengthened extension support services,” the commissioner said.

He equally called on investors in the agriculture sector to give Oyo State a look-in, as according to him, they can access detailed soil fertility data for all rural communities and also benefit from the Makinde administration’s strong efforts in ensuring ease of doing business for all investors.

‎Earlier while delivering a lecture on rainfall prediction for the 2026 farming season, the state contact person at NiMET advised farmers to plant drought-resistant seeds and adhere strictly to the rainfall predictions for the year in order to avoid losses.

‎He advised farmers not to be misled by the recent rainfall but to begin their planting activities towards the end of April, when the rains are expected to have properly set in.

‎In her welcome address, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye explained that the aim of the sensitisation programme was to bridge the gap between scientific climate information and practical agricultural decision-making, adding that the initiative would ensure that farmers, extension officers, agribusiness operators, financial institutions and policymakers understand how to interpret seasonal climate predictions and effectively integrate them into their operational plans.