The Oyo State government, on Wednesday, said that it had upgraded its mapping plan to effectively implement the 50 per cent subsidised tractor service programme for farmers in the state.

The  commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said this on Wednesday in Ibadan at the opening of a three-day training workshop for 116 extension agents and monitoring officers in the 33 local government areas and 29 council development areas.

Mr Olaleye said that the new mapping application was designed to help accurately identify farm locations, prevent duplication, and ensure fair allocation of subsidised tractor services.

He said that the training was part of the government’s effort to strengthen agricultural service delivery and ensure transparency in government interventions.

The commissioner said that agriculture remained a central pillar in the economic development agenda of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration, stressing “government remains committed to boosting food production.”

He urged the participants to take the training seriously, noting that extension agents and monitoring officers remain the backbone of agricultural service delivery in the state.

According to the commissioner, the training was designed to equip the participants with the necessary technical knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilise the improved mapping application.

Mr Olaleye, while underscoring the importance of the subsidised tractor programme, said the initiative would continue to provide significant support to farmers by reducing the cost of land preparation, improving the timeliness of farming operations, and increasing overall productivity.

He also commended the Agricultural Extension Services Department and other partners for their commitment to strengthening agricultural mechanisation in the state.

The commissioner urged the participants to actively engage in the training and assured them of the government’s support in providing the necessary tools and enabling environment to enhance service delivery to farmers across the state. 

(NAN)