By Iyabo Adebisi
The Oyo State Government has urged farmers in the state to closely monitor weather forecasts and climate information to ensure a productive farming season.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, made the call during the flag-off of the 2026 Farming Season, the public presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Programme, and the launch of the 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Programme at the Local Government Service Commission Auditorium, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Mr Olaleye said the seasonal climate prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provides crucial information on rainfall patterns, the onset and cessation of the rainy season, dry spells and temperature variations.
According to him, parts of Oyo State are expected to experience varying dry spell conditions during the 2026 farming season, stressing the need for farmers to follow weather advisories and agricultural extension guidance to minimise climate-related risks.
“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 this effort, I am pleased to formally flag off the 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) initiative, and to share with you the progress, impact, and future direction of this transformative programme.”
The commissioner described agriculture as the backbone of the Oyo State economy, noting that it employs thousands of smallholder farmers and contributes significantly to food supply and rural livelihoods.
“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% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, under which the State Government subsidises 50% 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 yields; to improve the income of smallholder farmers; and to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural practices through strengthened extension of support services.”
Also speaking, the Oyo State Contact Person of NiMet, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, warned farmers against being misled by early rainfall, saying the first rain of the year does not necessarily mark the beginning of the planting season.
Mr Udoh advised farmers to wait until soil moisture reaches about 50 per cent before planting.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, expressed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NiMet and other relevant agencies to ensure that climate information reaches grassroots farmers in a clear, timely and actionable format.
Edited by Maxwell Oyekunle
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