The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has reaffirmed its commitment to provide tractors for both small and large-scale farmers.
The initiative aims to catalyse farming activities and fortify the nation’s food security.
During a technical meeting with John Deere Group on mechanisation at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari emphasised the inclusive nature of the tractor distribution plan.
“The tractors will also go to local governments for farmers to access at an affordable cost. Cooperatives will be included so that small farmers can have access to the tractors. Large-scale farmers will also be engaged because they contribute to food security and the growth of the sector and economy,” he stated.
Expressing discontent with the delayed physical readiness of the tractors, Kyari assured that efforts would be intensified to make them available to farmers in the next few months.
Minister of State for FMAFS, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi echoed optimism regarding the positive impact of the tractors on farming activities and the overarching goal of ensuring food security. He emphasised the need for measures to ensure their proper utilisation.
The management of John Deere Group affirmed their commitment to expedite the arrival of the tractors into the country. They highlighted their comprehensive support, including providing knowledge, information, and technical assistance to Nigeria’s agriculture sector and economy. This proactive collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards strengthening the agricultural landscape and realising the nation’s food security objectives.
