The Oyo State Government on Monday, engaged with Mechanized Service Providers to enhance the productivity and service delivery across the State.
The meeting, which was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development premises, brought together the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, alongside the key stakeholders in the mechanization value chain.
Addressing participants, the Commissioner explained that the engagement was necessary to address operational challenges faced by service providers and to strengthen collaboration towards the effective implementation of the State Government’s 2026, 50% tractorization policy.
He disclosed that the government recorded a significant increase in land cultivation, with over 32,000 acres ploughed in 2025, compared to 6,900 acres in 2024, demonstrating the positive impact of the mechanization initiative.
Barr. Olaleye further stated that the government would review the cost of ploughing per acre in response to the global increase in crude oil prices, in order to balance affordability for farmers and sustainability for service providers.
On monitoring and accountability, he emphasized that the government would not engage any tractor without a tracking system, noting that this would ensure proper supervision and efficient service delivery across the State.
The Commissioner therefore urged Mechanized Service Providers not to connive with anyone to defraud the government, noting that a hotline would be made available for complaints and reporting of any irregularities.
In his remarks, the Director of Agricultural Extension Services, Mr. Waheed Olatoye, appreciated the service providers for their cooperation and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for improved agricultural outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the Mechanized Service Providers, Mr. Akinola James commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, noting that the tractorization policy has boosted farmers’ productivity and improved the standard of living of service providers.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
