The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has advised farmers across the state to take advantage of seasonal climate forecasts to guide their farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, gave the advice while flagging off the 2026 farming season at the Local Government Staff Hall, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.
He said that the seasonal climate prediction serves as an important early warning system that provides farmers with vital information on rainfall patterns, the onset and cessation of the rainy season, the length of the cropping season, possible dry spells, and temperature variations.
He explained that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency indicates that Oyo State may experience varying dry spell conditions across some Local Government Areas, stressing the need for farmers to pay close attention to weather advisories while planning their farming activities.
Barr. Olaleye also formally flagged off the 50 percent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme under the SAfER initiative, noting that the programme was introduced to make mechanised farming more accessible and affordable for farmers across the state.
According to him, since the programme commenced in 2024, significant progress has been recorded with the registration of tractors and booking agents, while thousands of acres of farmland have been ploughed for farmers across the state.
He added that the initiative has enabled farmers to cultivate larger farm sizes, reduce labour costs, and improve planting schedules.
In his remarks, the Chairman,Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Peter Ojedokun, commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde for being proactive in agricultural development in the state.
He, however, pledged that the Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Debo Ogundoyin, would continue to support policies and programmes aimed at strengthening agriculture and improving the welfare of farmers across the state.
Earlier in her welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, noted that the convergence of the three events – the flag-off of the farming season, the presentation of the Seasonal Climate Prediction, and the tractorisation subsidy programme – reflects the seriousness of the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation in Oyo State.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to people-centred development initiatives in the state.
Mrs. Owoeye explained that the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction would provide farmers and stakeholders with critical information on rainfall onset and cessation dates, expected dry spells, length of the growing season, temperature outlook, and flood risk zones across the state.
She added that the aim of the sensitisation programme was to bridge the gap between scientific climate information and practical agricultural decision-making.
According to her, understanding and applying seasonal climate predictions would help farmers determine appropriate planting dates, select suitable crop varieties, plan irrigation schedules, manage livestock and fisheries effectively, and mitigate risks associated with floods and drought.
In his contribution, the State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Samson Adetunji, commended the Oyo State Government for its sustained commitment to agricultural development and farmers’ welfare.
He added that the Federal Government, under the leadership of Bola Tinubu, remains committed to supporting farmers across the country through policies and programmes aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.
Also speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Adewumi Abass, appreciated the government on behalf of farmers in the state.
He noted that information on weather forecasts is important, particularly considering the global challenges posed by climate change, and urged farmers to strictly adhere to the predictions released by NiMet to avoid losses and ensure a successful farming season.
