The Oyo State Government has trained 116 Extension Agents and Monitoring Officers on a newly improved mapping application. Deployed under the state’s 50% Tractorisation Subsidy Programme, the digital tool is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government interventions. 

While declaring the training open in Ibadan, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye emphasised that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to promoting food production through data-driven policy decisions.

The upgraded application enables the accurate geo-referencing of farm locations and sizes, a move intended to eliminate the duplication of services and ensure the fair allocation of subsidised tractorisation. 

By providing real-time data on tractor deployment, the Ministry can now monitor operations more effectively across all local government areas. 

Commissioner Olaleye noted that Extension Agents serve as the backbone of this system, acting as the vital link between high-level government policies and the practical needs of farmers at the grassroots level.

The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye, described the training as a strategic step toward modernising land preparation for Oyo farmers. 

She explained that the subsidy programme has already significantly reduced farming costs and improved the timeliness of operations. 

With the introduction of the digital platform, the Ministry will remove irregularities in subsidy distribution, allowing for a more equitable and productive agricultural sector. 

Participants were urged to maintain high levels of integrity as they deploy the technology to support the state’s broader economic development agenda.

Source: National Truth