Agriculture

Cassava Growers, Community Leader Condemn Gang-up Against Psaltry international ……Say Psaltry Made Cassava A Farm Product To Reckon With Globally

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  The Psaltry Cassava Growers Association of Oyo State, has condemned an attempt by some individuals to gang up and launch media war against Psaltry International Ltd., the foremost cassava processing company in Africa, based in Ado Awaye, Iseyin local government. While reacting to a publication in an online newspaper (name withheld) on Thursday 7th November, 2024 with the title “Exclusive: Why We Are No Longer Selling Cassava to Psaltry – Oke Ogun Cassava Farmers,” the Chairman, Cassava Out-Growers Association of Oyo State, Alhaji Sulaimon Kehinde described the publication as the handiwork of business rivals, threatened by the global achievements of the company. Sulaimon who spoke with reporters alongside the Baale Alayide of Alayide Village where the company is situated, Alhaji Gazali Alayide, told reporters that the defiant farmers were used by some groups that export cassava and saw the processing company as a threat. He hinted that Psaltry started its operation at Alayide village by providing farm inputs and free lands, incorporated the cassava out-growers into a group to access loans for cultivation which the company collected back for processing and paid back under a memorandum of understanding (M.O.U), which has subsisted till date. “The company is not bothered about the fruitless efforts of some people to tarnish the good image of Psaltry International Company Ltd. through such gutter journalism, whereby they engaged a journalist without respect for the tenets of media to publish a one-sided report. “The good image of Psaltry company across Africa as the foremost cassava processing plant did not just start today, they started by empowering farmers with lands and inputs, while providing avenue for us to access loans for our farming activities with the hindsight that our produce would have a depositing point in their facility for processing, today, some of the farmers reneged on their loan payment agreements with the banks and we the company is currently repaying banks to the tune of over #200million. “Some of these individuals are the ones being used by some new companies that export cassava to foreign countries, not minding the impacts on the Nigerian economy and the people of Nigeria that are already groaning under the present recession. “We call on Nigerians and stakeholders across the world in our efforts to build country less dependent on oil to disregard such stories paid for by individuals that cannot equal the stride of Psaltry across Africa and the world.” Kehinde said his body has a pleasant relationship with the company and those mentioned in the said publication were not members of his association. He claimed that recently, some individuals started entering farms to buy off cassava meant for Psaltry processing plant and taken same outside the country, which he said allowed most of the farmers renege on the agreement made with the banks and the company. Sulaimon said his association remained in support of the company for its efforts so far to build farmers and farming activities in Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa areas of Oyo State “I can tell you that those behind this are competitors who don’t farm but give some people money to go into rural farms and buy for peanuts from. They see some of the farmers as in dire need of money. “It is unfortunate that those sent by these people now go to farmers at Alayide and pack up to 70 and 80 trailers daily from our abode in Alayide which we have recently resisted because it has led to our members selling cheaply to them and defaulting to the banks.” He asserted that despite the attack on Psaltry, it has gone into record as an indigenous company that gave cassava a global reckoning among farm products in Nigeria. The traditional Chief of Alayide village, Alhaji Gazali Alayide said he was surprised to hear that some people could gang up against a company that has done so much for the people of the village, Ado Awaye and Iseyin community, as well as the cassava growers. Gazali noted that apart from providing portable water for as many as eleven communities around the processing facility, Psaltry International connected them to the national grid for free, facilitated the construction of seven kilometers Alayide road and created jobs for their children. “I was taken aback to hear of the said publication, but I remembered that such is human nature, those that create means for others to grow are often colluded against by the modern day ‘Judas.’ “I just want to urge Mrs Yemisi Iranloye, the CEO of Psaltry, not to be deterred by such campaign of calumny by those with intention to bring down the company and humanity.” Alhaji Sulaimon Kehinde, Chairman, Psaltry Cassava Out-Growers Association of Oyo State, Alayide Village, Ado Awaye, Iseyin Local Government, Iseyin. Thursday 7th November, 2024.

(Photos)Hon Bugama Leads Plateau Delegation To Fashola Agro Industrial Hub For Insights On Agribusiness

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Adeleke Maria A delegation from Plateau State, led by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture, Samson Bugama visited the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan and the Fashola Agro-Industrial Hub in Oyo State. The delegation were received by Dr Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness, international Cooperation and Development as well as the Director General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency. Located in Oyo West Local Government Area along the Oyo-Iseyin road, Fashola Agribusiness Industrial Hub covers 1,200 hectares and is strategically bordered by Aladire and Alabafin. In an interview with Commissioner Bugama,he explained that the Plateau State team came to learn from Oyo State’s progress, as Oyo is in the first phase of the Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ) program, while Plateau is scheduled for phase two. “We wanted to see the advancements those ahead of us have achieved and identify ways we can improve,” Bugama said. He praised Oyo State’s commitment to industrializing agriculture, highlighting the Makinde administration’s efforts to boost agricultural production through strategic industrialization. Commissioner Bugama also emphasized the importance of road infrastructure for agricultural development. He noted that connecting industries to raw material sources is essential to prevent facilities from becoming obsolete. “These road networks represent a critical infrastructure step needed to drive the transformative growth in agriculture,” he said, commending Governor Makinde’s achievements. Bugama concluded by promising that Plateau State would take the insights gained from Oyo’s progress to further advance its own agricultural and industrial goals.

SAFER Loan: Oyo Gov’t Eases Requirements For Farmers …Approves inclusion Of Farmer’s Exco Groups As Guarantors

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  The Oyo State government has taken steps to ease the guarantor’s requirements for the ongoing SAfER/Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS), scheme for farmers. This, according to the Chairman, ACCOS, Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold, is in a bid to ensure more farmers in Oyo State have access to Agricultural loan schemes. Speaking with stakeholders in Ibadan recently, he said Governor Seyi Makinde has approved inclusion of executives of farmers groups, to stand as guarantors to interested farmers seeking loans from the State Agricultural Credit Corporation. “The development will allow executive members of the farmers’ association to stand as guarantors for their group members requesting that the SAfER/ACCOS Agric loan aligns with Governor Makinde’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in the State”, he said. “We observed that most farmers were not able to access the #1b agric loan under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) due to bureaucratic bottleneck of provision of civil servants working with State Government as guarantor, hence Governor Makinde to approve inclusion of farmers groups’ executive to stand in for interested farmers in accessing the facilities, this according to him will remove bottleneck of civil servants guarantorship, saying that this would enhance productivity of farm product and by extension enhance food security in the state and the country at large”, he said. The Chairman also emphasized that the change in the guarantor’s requirements will benefit farmers who may not know any civil servant, adding that it will allow executive members of registered farmers associations to fulfil this role, seamlessly. In his welcome address, the Coordinating Director Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State, Mr. Tunde Oladejo reminded previous beneficiaries of the SAfER/ACCOS loan to start repaying their loans to the respective disbursing banks. He added that timely repayment is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the loan scheme while also, allowing other farmers to benefit from the intervention. Present at the meeting were, Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria, oyo State Chapter, Elder Omikunle Omidokun, Vice Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Muniru Oladayo, and Chairman, Nigerian Cassava Growers Association, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Basir Adesoyan amongst others.

2024 World Food Day: Makinde Speaks On Moves To Boost Food Security In Oyo

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  Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his government will not relent in its effort to boost food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain in the state. He maintained that the government has taken several steps to promote agriculture and ensure food security in the state, including providing support to thousands of smallholder farmers and farmers’ associations. The governor stated this on Wednesday, October 16, at an event organised in commemoration of the 2024 World Food Day, held at the Parliament Building, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Governor Makinde, who spoke through the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, was quoted by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, to have promised that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for agricultural businesses to thrive, thereby increasing food security and safe functioning of the food supply chain. He added that the government would also continue to support research-driven agricultural businesses for the promotion of economic development and growth in the sector. The governor equally called on all stakeholders in the agriculture and food sector to complement the efforts of the government in promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, in order to achieve a better and more sustainable food future in Oyo State. Noting the importance of the fundamental human right to food, the governor pledged more support to farmers across the state, saying that he would ensure that the theme for this year’s World Food Day, “right to food for a better life and better future,” becomes a reality. The governor explained that the theme serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to address issues of food insecurity and malnutrition. He urged all stakeholders in the agribusiness and food production and supply sector to adopt climate-resilient practices and innovative technologies to invest in sustainable agri-food systems. Presenting his paper on the theme for the year, a research professor from the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training (IAR&T), Professor Samuel Olakojo, said that access to food is a necessity for every individual, stressing that its availability in abundance is the main right for survival. He charged the government to form and implement policies against climate change, insecurity, and make friendlier agricultural policies to include road infrastructure, credit facilities, periodic monitoring of farmers and curbing wastage of perishable farm produce. In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central state constituency, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, urged all farmers in the state to intensify efforts in producing quality farm produce for consumers. He maintained that doing so would subdue poverty, hunger and promote healthy diets in the state. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Christianah Abioye, said the World Food Day presented another opportunity to appreciate Governor Makinde’s support to farmers in the state. She noted that the governor’s support has helped to ensure food sufficiency and also to find sustainable solutions to the problems of food security and poverty. The event had in attendance representatives of farmers’ associations from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, the leadership of the farmers’ association in the state and the Baale Agbe-in-council, among others.

Makinde Approves Recruitment Of Extension Officers, Vet Doctors

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  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has granted approval for the recruitment of agriculture extension officers and veterinary doctors. The governor, who announced the approval on Tuesday, said the recruitment exercise will cover the 33 local government areas of the state. This was as he also announced the setting up of model farm service centres across the zones and the purchase of motorcycles for Extension Officers for optimal delivery in the agric sector of the state. Governor Makinde made these known while inaugurating the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee at an event held at the House Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, noted that his administration recognises the importance of agriculture in driving economic growth, reducing poverty and boosting food production for the general well-being of residents of the state. He added that the governor has empowered farmers through various programmes under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER), which was aimed at cushioning the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products He explained that the relief programme, which started in November 2023, has seen the state distribute poultry feeds, fish feeds, piggery feeds, livestock feeds, disinfectants, insecticides, knapsack sprayers, bundles of cassava stems and fertilizers to farmers in addition to the vaccination of cattle against anthrax. He equally noted that the administration had made available the sum of N1 billion as soft agricultural loans to farmers in the state, among other benefits. According to Olasunkanmi, over 1,000 farmers in the state have benefitted from the 50 per cent tractorisation subsidy, with more than 6,000 acres of land ploughed for farmers, assuring that the tractorisation subsidy will continue in February 2025 to target 16,000 acres of land for the new farming season. Speaking on the resuscitation of the Oyo State Seed Coordinating Committee, the commissioner noted that the aim was to revitalise agricultural productivity in order to ensure food security and improve the livelihood of farmers, as they will have access to high quality and improved seeds, information and technologies for boosting productivity and sustaining food security in the state. The commissioner tasked members of the seed coordinating committee to discharge their duties and see to the boost in food production and agricultural yields. He added that the committee is a body of experts and researchers, who are expected to bring critical information to the notice of farmers in Oyo State, while Extension Officers will take the information down to the farmers in the rural communities. “The governor has graciously approved this new Committee to make it all-encompassing and with the objectives of seed multiplication extending to crop cultivation, livestock farming, agro-allied and other activities, which can affect agriculture positively. “Also, it aims at producing quality certified seeds, inputs for farmers and increase in farm machines through the participation and collaboration of the private sector. “So, as a member of this committee, you are hereby chosen for your expertise and dedication. Your role is crucial in enhancing seed quality both in crop and livestock production in improving fatness’s livelihood and promoting security. “You are to promote food security by increasing agricultural production. “Your committee has the liberty to co-opt experts from any other agencies of government in the local, state, federal, private, public, SMEs enterprises that have valuable contributions.” In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and member representing Ibarapa North/Central State Constituency in Oyo Assembly, Honourable Peter Ojedokun, commended Governor Makinde for his support to farmers. Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, AFAN, Oyo State chapter, Mr Adewumi Abbas and the representative of Baale Agbe in Oyo State, Chief Akande Moshood, lauded the governor for his commitment to the progress of farmers through numerous support programmes. Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Christiana Abioye said the committee, which comprises relevant stakeholders in the seed industry, is to plan and determine the state’s seeds requirement annually, encourage timely and effective seed distribution and other inputs to farmers.

Poultry Farmers Warns As Egg Prices May Hit N10,000 Per Crate.

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  A crate of egg which currently sells between N5,500 and N6,000 may soon be sold at N10,000, according to Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its worst inflation in decades as prices of many commodities have skyrocketed. Factors responsible for this are the hike in fuel price and forex scarcity. Speaking at a press conference to commemorate World Egg Day in Abuja, Secretary of PAN in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Musa Hakeem, called on the government to declare a state of emergency in the egg production sector. He warned that without swift intervention, the price hike would be inevitable, further worsening the already declining protein consumption among Nigerians. Hakeem attributed the looming increase to soaring transportation costs resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies, and escalating feed prices driven by feed millers. The sharp rise in production costs could push the price of a crate to N10,000, but we have kept it at N5,500 out of consideration for consumers.” He expressed disappointment over the lack of significant governmental support, noting that the last time poultry farmers received grain assistance was three years ago. Hakeem urged for stronger cooperation between the government and Poultry farmers, emphasizing that the association possesses comprehensive data on poultry farmers that could be utilized for more targeted interventions. On his part, an agro-dealer, Jude Arikogu, raised issues regarding the quality and weight of poultry feed, noting that some 25kg bags often weigh less than stated, further straining farmers already grappling with rising operational expenses. Daily Trust

64th Independence Anniversary: Makinde Extends Subsidised Transport Scheme By Six Months•••Relaxes Measures For Agric Credit Loans To Small Holder Farmers

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  By Adeleke Maria  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on residents of the state to keep hope alive as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, noting that his government will continue to take decisions that serve the best interest of the people. Governor Makinde stated this on Tuesday, during his Independence Day Address relayed on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS). The governor maintained that as part of decisions to mitigate the economic challenges facing the people, he has directed an immediate change in the guarantor system for the state’s agricultural credit loan for small farmers. According to him, instead of the requirement that allowed only civil servants to guarantee farmers seeking the loan, residents who seek to access the loan can now be guaranteed by community associations, farmers and artisanal associations. He equally declared a six-month extension for the state’s Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) Transport Scheme, which has seen intra-city and inter-city transportation in state government-owned Omituntun Buses subsidised by more than half, noting that he has also directed that a similar subsidy be introduced on trucks for crop transportation across the state. These measures, the governor said, were introduced to reaffirm his government’s commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the people amid the cloudy economic times in the country. He said: “Today, we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s history as we mark 64 years of nationhood. Our journey has been one of highs and lows. We have walked, crawled, run, stumbled, and risen again. We have experienced moments of pride and moments of reflection. But above all, we have demonstrated unwavering resilience. “Here in Oyo State, you have exemplified that same resilience by supporting our administration over the past five years as we moved from accelerated development to sustainable development with a focus on moving the people of our dear state from poverty to prosperity. “They say the darkest hour comes just before dawn. As we face these cloudy economic times, we must remember our resilient spirit. Rest assured, the sun will rise. “As your government, we use this Independence Day celebration to reaffirm our commitment to making decisions that will serve the best interests of the good people of Oyo State. “This is why I have directed that guarantors for small scale loans to agripreneurs through the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State will no longer be limited to civil servants but will now include Community Development Associations (CDAs), farmers’ associations and artisans’ associations. “We have also extended the subsidy on transportation for another six months under the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) scheme. The subsidy will now also include a subsidy on trucks for evacuation of farm produce. This subsidy will be implemented through the various trader and agriculture unions. “Now is not the time to emphasise what divides us. Rather, we must hold fast to the things that unite us—our shared identity, our culture, and our history. We must always remember who our real enemies are, so we do not turn against our friends. “We will, as a government, continue to give strength to democratic institutions because we believe this is one of the best ways to build stronger states and nations. “I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the security of our people remains a top priority. During your celebrations, you may notice an increased security presence. Do not be alarmed—they are there to ensure your safety and guarantee a peaceful celebration. “So, as we celebrate Nigeria at 64, let us not dwell on the difficulties of the present. Instead, let us use this period to reflect on what we can do differently, so that the future of our nation will be better than the past. “Let us focus on the real hope that lies ahead.”

OYO-CARES Begins Distributing Farm Inputs to Farmers in Ido, Oyo LGAs; Beneficiaries Receive Goats, Cassava Cuttings, Maize Seeds, and More

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  The Oyo Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (OYO- CARES) on Thursday, commenced the fourth phase distribution of agricultural farm inputs to 300 crop and livestock farmers in Ido Local Government Area to further enhance food production in Oyo State. The exercise aims at distribution of agricultural inputs and provision of capacity building and extension services to 3,660 beneficiaries in 26 local government areas of Oyo state under the Nigeria Community Action Resilience And Economic Stimulus (N-CARES). The inputs distributed are, NPK fertilisers, maize seeds and tomato seeds, one liter of herbicide chemicals goats among others. The State Project Coordinator, Result Area 2 for N- CARES, Mr Bamigblola Kolawole disclosed that the beneficiaries comprises farmers from three Farmers Community Associations( FCA ) which includes beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneur Agro-preneur Programme (YEAP). According to him, the 300 beneficiaries are grouped into 10 farmers each, with 140 livestock farmers, another 140 cassava and maize farmers and 20 tomato farmers. He explained further that while the crop farmers are getting fertilizers, agro-chemicals and seeds, the livestock farmers are getting goats. “This is the major support we are given to them and the essence of this is to assist these farmers to increase food production in the state and this is not the first time we are doing such in Ido Local Government”, he said. Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Adeojo appreciated the state governor Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde for the initiative which he said has greatly supported farmers in the council to enhance agricultural activities in the area. He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the inputs for the intended purpose assuring that the state government will continue to support farmers to boost food production in the state and the county at large. A maize and cassava farmer Ishola Olajumoke and a beneficiary of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Ridwane Akinade appreciated the support to farmers which they said came at the right time assuring that the inputs will be utilized judiciously. Also in Afijio Local Government, Jobele no fewer than 170 beneficiaries comprising Agbedun FCA with seven Cassava group (70 beneficiaries) as each received 15 bundles of Cassava cuttings, 50 kg of NPK fertilizer and 1 liter of herbicide chemical, also in Afijio LGA, Agbesanwa FCA comprises of 7 livestock farmer group (70 beneficiaries) and each of the seventy beneficiaries goes home with two goats, 3 maize groups, (30 beneficiaries) received 10kg bag of maize seeds, 50 kg of fertilizer, and 1 liter of herbicide chemical. In his reactions, the Executive Chairman of Afijio Local Government, Hon Emmanuel Olufemi Aikomo, who was on ground to witness the distribution exercise lauded the Engr Seyi Makinde for the support. He equally urged the beneficiaries to make the inputs given to them in order to get compliments the efforts of the state government on food sufficiency in the state. Similarly, in Oyo West, where we have Agbeparapodola FCA which comprises of five livestock farmers groups, all the 50 beneficiaries in the group received two goats each, while the five Cassava Farmers Group of 50 beneficiaries received 20 bundles of Cassava cuttings. Also in Oyo West we have Agbegbayi FCA and under that group we have three cassava farmers groups, 2 maize groups and 5 livestock farmers groups. The 200 beneficiaries of livestock farmers group under Ifelagba FCA received two goats each making 200 goats in total. In Oyo East Local Government, under Agbeloba FCA which comprises of five Cassava Farmers Groups, five Livestock Farmers Groups received their farm inputs. The beneficiaries in Atiba Local Government under the Agbegbewa FCA where we have seven Maize Farmer’s Groups, three livestock groups received their inputs accordingly, we also have Agbedola FCA that comprises of 10 livestock groups.

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