By Taiwo Oluwadare
Farmers across Oyo State have voiced deep concerns over the lack of adequate farming incentives, despite ongoing efforts by the state government to boost agricultural productivity.
During an investigation by our correspondent, many farmers praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sector, but noted that serious challenges persist. Chief among these are frequent attacks by Fulani herdsmen, who reportedly allow their cattle to destroy farmlands, and a lack of consistent support in the form of subsidies and agricultural infrastructure.
Farmers say they are grappling with limited access to subsidized fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals. They also decried the absence of mechanization programs such as the distribution of tractors, as well as limited access to low-interest loans, grants, training, and extension services. Additionally, market access and the absence of price stabilization policies remain major concerns.
Testimonies from individual farmers, agricultural associations, and cooperatives confirmed that while the state government is making efforts, these are being undermined by ongoing herder-farmer conflicts.
Cornelius Bolaji, a farmer in the state, listed insecurity, high input costs, poor road infrastructure, inadequate storage, climate-related issues like floods and drought, and overall government neglect as key issues affecting farming. When asked if farmers were paying protection fees to bandits, Bolaji responded, “We haven’t experienced such here — only the herders disturbing us from farming. We’ve heard they have powerful backers in government who give them the courage to torment us.”
Responding to these concerns, Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, acknowledged the plight of farmers, citing the high cost of land clearing, the price of hybrid seeds, herdsmen destruction of farms, and inconsistent federal agricultural policies as major obstacles.
Highlighting the state’s interventions, Olaleye noted that the government had distributed 65,000 bundles of cassava cuttings, provided 400kg of maize each to 3,740 poultry farmers, and given salt blocks to 1,561 cattle farmers. Additionally, 2,536 livestock farmers received free wheat, 4,100 crop farmers were supplied with a minimum of two bags of fertilizer each, and 920 soybean farmers received inputs.
He added that approximately 3,000 farmers were given maize seeds covering 5,497.5 acres, while 1,487 farmers benefited from a 50% subsidy on tractor services, leading to 6,090 acres being ploughed last year.
Despite these efforts, farmers insist that more targeted support and protection are needed to ensure sustainable food production and rural stability in the state.
