Oyo State Government trained 116 Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers on the newly improved mapping application deployed under the State’s 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural service delivery and ensure transparency in government interventions.
Declaring the training open, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that agriculture remains a central pillar in the economic development agenda of Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, explained that the administration remains committed to boosting food production while ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in the implementation of agricultural programmes across the State.
He noted that the introduction of the upgraded mapping application represents a significant milestone in the Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, as it will enable accurate geo-referencing of farm locations and sizes, eliminate duplication, ensure fair allocation of subsidised services, strengthen monitoring and evaluation, and provide real-time data for planning and policy decisions.
According to him, the innovation will also enhance transparency and accountability in programme implementation.
Barr. Olaleye therefore 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.
He added that the training is designed to equip them with the necessary technical knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilise the improved mapping application, while also commending the Department of Agricultural Extension Services and other partners for their commitment to strengthening agricultural mechanisation in Oyo State.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Abosede Owoeye, described the training as both strategic and timely in advancing the State’s agricultural development agenda.
She noted that the newly improved farmland mapping application, deployed under the 50 per cent Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, represents a major step toward strengthening agricultural mechanisation, improving transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery to farmers across Oyo State.
Mrs Owoeye explained that the programme has continued to provide significant support to farmers by reducing the cost of land preparation, improving the timeliness of farming operations, and increasing overall productivity.
According to her, the upgraded digital platform will ensure accurate geo-referencing of farm locations, eliminate duplication and irregularities in subsidy allocation, enable real-time monitoring of tractor deployment, and promote data-driven planning and policy decisions within the Ministry.
She emphasised that Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers remain the vital link between government policies and farmers at the grassroots, stressing that the success of the improved application depends largely on their competence, diligence, and integrity.
The Permanent Secretary therefore urged participants to actively engage in the training and assured them of the Ministry’s continued support in providing the necessary tools and enabling environment to enhance service delivery to farmers across the State.
