Food security: Osun Govt acquires 72 new tractors to boost production

By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration has received the first batch of 72 newly coupled tractors out of 114 tractors into Osun state.

The government, in a statement signed on Thursday by the Governor’s Spokesperson Olawale Rasheed said the 72 newly coupled tractors out of 114 tractors paid for by the Governor Adeleke led administration will boost food production and support farmers in the state.

It would be recalled that the Governor in June had opened up on the plans of his administration for the agricultural sector in the state, assuring stakeholders that farm inputs, tractorization and issue of food security are being addressed by his government.

He said that a Nordic firm interested in setting up a tractor assembly plant in the state after a meeting, Governor Adeleke said his plans for the agricultural sector are robust and all inclusive, “the state is now set for implementation of various programmes in the sector.”

He noted that while the administration had acquired tractors, the State Government will also be exploring leasing deals with tractor hiring associations to ensure that farmers in the state get the needed support to ramp up food production and slow the rising inflation challenges.

“The Governor also disclosed that moribund tractors that are useful will still be repaired aside from the newly procured tractors.

“About 24 trucks of 3 tractors each have since arrived in the state in the first batch of the procurement, while others are still being expected.

“The newly procured tractors come with three diffraction ploughers, and it can also be attached to carriers.

“The state Governor assures residents he will continue to deliver on every of his  promises amidst the harsh economic condition the whole country is witnessing at the moment,” the statement added.