5th February, 2023
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun distribution of tractors to farmers in Kaduna State as part of strategies to enhance mechanized agriculture and boost food security.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Abubakar stated this at the inauguration of the distribution exercise under the FG’s Agricultural Tractorisation Programme on Saturday in Kaduna.
He said that agriculture was the key sector driving the economy, hence the need for it to be reinvigorated through tractor acquisition to achieve food security.
The minister said the availability of tractors would lead to improved quantity and quality of food per person as well as reduce the drudgery of farmers in the country.
According to him, farmers are expected to make a 40 per cent down payment while the balance of 60 per cent will be spread over a period of three years.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing dividends of democracy through the provision of enabling environment to the citizens.
The Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Alwan Hassan said farmers relied on manual labour, hence they could not increase food production levels in the country.
He said the programme has been designed to enhance farmers’ access to tractors and implements, to encourage mechanised agriculture in the country.
Hassan said tractors would be released to the Manage Service Providers on loans, while farmers could access them under a hiring scheme.
(NAN)