Ogun-Osun River Basin Deploys Tractors to Boost Farming

The Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), led by Managing Director Adedeji Ashiru, announced the deployment of 16 tractors across 11 farm settlements in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos states. This initiative is part of a broader federal government plan to provide an additional 60 tractors to farmers in the southwestern region by 2026, aimed at enhancing food production and agricultural mechanization.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the critical role of mechanization in increasing food production, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating wealth for farmers. The tractors were deployed during the flag-off of the 2025/2026 dry season farm program, which focuses on crops such as maize, vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, and cassava.

Ashiru noted that the deployment directly addresses the constraints faced by smallholder farmers, enabling them to cultivate larger plots more efficiently. A seven-member task force committee, headed by Taiwo Ajayi, was inaugurated to oversee the safe use and maintenance of the tractors throughout the farming season.