FG Targets 2,000 Tractors Annually to Boost Mechanization, Food Production

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has said the production of 2,000 tractors in-country yearly would enhance food production, create jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth as well as achieve food and nutrition security in the country.

The minister stated this when he received a delegation from John Deere led by its Vice President, Jason Braintley.

Also present were the Chairman and Directors of Flour Mills Nigeria, as well as Country Director of Tata Africa Services, Mr. Chijioke Okoli.

He noted that the visit was a follow-up to the meeting between Nigeria’s Vice President Ibrahim Shettima and top officials of John Deere at the recent World Food Prize Foundation held in lowa, USA.

He said when produced, government would not off-take the tractors but provide the enabling environment to make the tractors affordable at low-interest rate to Nigerian farmers and boost all-year round farming.

In his remarks, Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, stressed the need to evaluate existing co-operatives and ascertain those that require support to enable them access the tractors when available. 

He emphasised the importance of identifying crops that are most suitable for mechanisation.

In his intervention, Braintley said that the company was exploring the feasibility of hiring, acquisition and production, in addition to after-sales services, supply of genuine spare parts and training of operators and mechanics.

He said the capacity of the tractors would range between 75 and 90 horsepower for use in different terrains in the country, according to a statement by the ministry’s Assistant Director, Information, 

Ezeaja Ikemefuna.