The Federal Government plans to acquire 32,500 tractors over five years to modernise Nigeria’s agriculture, boost food security, and involve youth and women in farming.
This initiative is part of a new mechanisation policy to improve productivity and provide modern farming tools.
The federal government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to procure 32,500 tractors and other modern agricultural equipment over the next five years.
In addition, this initiative, in partnership with manufacturers like John Deere, Tata, and Belarus Tractor, aims to modernise farming and promote youth and women involvement in agriculture, which is crucial for food security.
However, Nigeria’s agricultural sector currently faces significant challenges, with outdated farming practices and a lack of a national mechanisation policy.
To address this, at a recent workshop in Abuja, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Temitope Fashedemi, stressed the need for a comprehensive national mechanisation policy.
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He further explained that modern machinery is essential to boost productivity and reduce reliance on inefficient methods.
Furthermore, the government’s efforts are part of the Greener Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, under the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) for 2022-2027.
A key target of this programme is to produce 5,000 tractors annually within Nigeria.
Additionally, 819 tractor operators and mechanics will be trained to manage modern equipment.
Moreover, Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, highlighted that the policy also focuses on research, technological development, and private-sector investment.
By preventing the importation of obsolete machinery, the policy aims to ensure farmers have access to modern, effective tools.
Ultimately, the programme, backed by a clear policy framework, promises to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector, boosting productivity and food security for the nation.