As part of efforts to strengthen food production and expand commercial farming across the country, the Bank of Agriculture has proposed a partnership with members of the House of Representatives for the deployment of tractors in all 360 federal constituencies.
The Managing Director of the bank, Mr Ayo Sotinriade, presented the initiative during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, describing it as a major step toward increasing mechanised farming and tackling hunger, unemployment and rural poverty.
Under the arrangement, lawmakers are expected to contribute 60 per cent of the cost of each tractor to be stationed in their constituencies for use by farmers.
Sotinriade explained that the programme would move farming activities beyond small scale production and open the door for large commercial cultivation capable of improving the country’s food supply.
According to him, the proposed nationwide deployment of about 2,000 tractors could make it possible to cultivate nearly 1.2 million hectares of farmland annually.
He noted that each tractor has the capacity to cover at least five hectares in one hour and up to 600 hectares within a year, a development he said would significantly improve agricultural output.
The BoA chief added that constituencies participating in the scheme would provide secured land for the establishment of agricultural service centres where the tractors would be managed and booked for use by farmers.
He said the centres would also provide access to farm inputs, irrigation facilities, extension services, financial support and produce aggregation systems aimed at improving efficiency in the sector.
Sotinriade further stated that the programme is expected to increase crop yield to more than two tonnes per hectare while supporting all season farming through irrigation.
He maintained that improved agricultural activities would help create jobs, reduce poverty and address insecurity linked to unemployment and low income across many communities.
The BoA managing director also said the initiative could help displaced persons rebuild their lives through farming opportunities, especially in states affected by conflict such as Borno and Benue.
According to him, successful implementation of the programme could eventually position Nigeria among leading food producing nations and reduce dependence on food imports.
