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Dr. Ganiyu Adediji, the coordinator of the O-CARES Initiative, a project overseen by the Osun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has stated that the project has made remarkable strides in advancing agricultural development and ensuring food security across the state.
According to him, the ministry implemented a series of impactful projects that have directly benefited thousands of farmers and rural communities throughout Osun State Between November 2022 and August 2024.
Dr. Adediji, the project coordinator, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving rural infrastructure, and supporting food processing and preservation.
He said these efforts have been crucial in driving the success of the initiative.
“Under the O-CARES programme, a total of 8,060 farmers received agricultural input support and services. This group included 3,972 female farmers and 4,088 male farmers. The distributed inputs, designed to boost crop and livestock yields while ensuring food security, included seeds, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, day-old chicks (broilers), juvenile-size fish, feed, drugs, and vaccines.
“In addition to input distribution, the ministry has focused on improving market accessibility and reducing post-harvest losses. As part of these efforts, the ministry rehabilitated 90.3 kilometers of roads across the state, creating vital links between rural farming communities and markets. This infrastructure development has directly benefited 19,400 individuals, including farmers, traders, and local residents, by enhancing road connectivity and reducing transportation costs.
“To further strengthen the agricultural value chain, the ministry, through the O-CARES initiative, provided essential agricultural assets to 8,750 farmers. These assets include sprayers, water pumps, pepper grinders, storage freezers, palm oil digesters with engines, palm kernel separators with engines, cassava graters with engines, and other farm equipment. The distribution of these resources has improved the economic resilience of farmers, extended the shelf life of agricultural products, and contributed to overall food security in the state.
“The O-CARES initiative under the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has made a tangible impact on monumental challenges in agriculture across the state,” said Dr. Adediji. “The ministry has improved the lives of many farmers and helped to stimulate economic activity in their communities,” he disclosed.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adediji expressed optimism about the ministry’s future plans.
He also emphasized that the ministry intends to build on the achievements of recent years by expanding its efforts to support farmers and rural communities. “The success of O-CARES should serve as a model for other states on how to harness agriculture-led economic recovery and growth,” he stated.
Dr. Adediji concluded by noting that additional projects are on the horizon as the O-CARES initiative continues to be implemented. These projects will further enhance agricultural production, develop rural infrastructure, and bolster food security in Osun State.
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