Low Productivity, Poor Training, High Cost of Farm Implements Hindering Nigerian Farmers – Senator Yayi

“Today’s farmers’ empowerment programme is targeted at further addressing some of the challenges of our farmers. These challenges include low productivity, lack of training in modern agricultural practices, costly farm implements and seedlings, as well as limited access to finance,” he said.

To address the identified gaps, the senator empowered 2,557 trained farmers, organised into more than 100 clusters, with tractors, haulage tricycles, fertilisers, improved seeds and seedlings, water pumps, sprayers, pesticides, power tillers, and other modern farming equipment.

He also announced a N100,000 cash grant for each beneficiary, amounting to N255.7 million, explaining that the financial support would enable farmers to concentrate on farming without being compelled to sell the equipment provided.

According to Adeola, the beneficiaries underwent training in modern agricultural practices through partnerships with the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan; the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan; the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos; the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River; and the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri.

The lawmaker said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on Agriculture and Food Security, which seeks to increase agricultural productivity and enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year.

He noted that the intervention builds on the success of the first edition, where over 5,910 farmers benefited directly and indirectly from tractors, fertilisers, water pumps, power tillers, improved seedlings and other agricultural inputs.

Adeola disclosed that some beneficiaries of the maiden edition had returned with farm produce to demonstrate that the support had translated into improved yields and increased incomes.

He explained that a central management team comprising experienced farmers and cluster leaders would oversee the use and maintenance of the tractors and other shared mechanised equipment to ensure sustainability.

The senator reiterated his commitment to supporting farmers through sustained interventions, stressing that increased agricultural productivity remains essential to reducing poverty, strengthening food security, diversifying the economy and accelerating national development.

He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the equipment and cash support, expressing optimism that the intervention would significantly improve farm output and livelihoods across Ogun State.