The federal government has successfully taken delivery of 255 out of the 2,000 tractors it signed an agreement to procure last year from a private company.
This move, as outlined by Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari, is part of efforts to address the nation’s rising food inflation, which currently stands at 34 percent, while simultaneously boosting food production and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign currency.
During a press briefing at the State House, Kyari explained that the arrival of the 255 tractors, which were contained in 85 containers, was the first major delivery under the agreement.
The Minister highlighted that each container held three tractors, and the remaining tractors are expected to be delivered on a near-weekly basis until the full complement of 2,000 tractors is received.
Kyari emphasized that the 255 tractors are only part of a larger agricultural initiative, which also includes 1,200 trailers for farmers and 9,000 sets of spare parts for maintenance. The tractors will be provided with essential farming equipment, such as 2,000 ploughs, 2,000 harrows, 2,000 seeders, and 2,000 boom sprayers.
He also pointed out that while the government initially planned to supply 2,000 trailers, only 1,200 will be distributed. This is because trailers are more durable and some are already being refurbished by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
“In addition, we have 9,000 sets of spare parts that will come with this procurement. We also have 10 combined harvesters, each with 330 horsepower,” he added.
“These are large combined harvesters that can cover about one and a half hectares per hour. So, in one day, you can harvest at least 10 hectares. Ten hectares is equivalent to about 13 football fields, so you can imagine how much can be harvested in a day with just one harvester.
“We also have 12 service vehicles, which will function as mobile workshops, carrying all the necessary tools. These will be deployed to the areas where the tractors will be used.”
Kyari also stressed that to ensure the tractors and harvesters are well maintained, 12 service vehicles, which will function as mobile workshops, are being deployed to farming regions.
“These vehicles will allow for on-the-spot repairs and ensure the machinery remains in perfect working condition.”
Speaking on the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Kyari confirmed that the federal government was moving forward with plans to reorganize and recapitalize the institution, with completion expected by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Kyari remarked that while smallholder farmers often struggle to access capital, the reorganization of the BoA would improve its ability to provide loans and financial assistance, thereby supporting the government’s goal of increasing agricultural production.