As part of efforts to revolutionize agriculture in Cross River State, Governor Bassey Edet Otu has launched the distribution of subsidized mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the state.
The initiative, which forms a central part of his People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda, aims to enhance mechanization in farming and empower rural communities.
The flag-off event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development in Calabar, was attended by lawmakers, traditional leaders, women farmers, and various agricultural stakeholders, all of whom praised the governor’s vision to position agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making agriculture a key driver of economic growth.
“When we took office, we promised to prioritize agriculture in our development strategy,” he said. “Through consultations with farmers, we identified land preparation as a significant challenge, representing more than 70 percent of farming costs. This initiative directly addresses that issue.”
The tractors, which are fuel-efficient, adaptable to different terrains, and multifunctional, are intended to ease the process of land preparation, reduce labor costs, and boost overall productivity.
The governor announced that 108 units will be distributed in the first phase, with plans to roll out a total of 324 tractors across the state.
These tractors will be managed through a cooperative model, allowing farmer groups to act as community-based service providers.
“This approach ensures shared ownership and better management, while making mechanization accessible to more farmers at the grassroots level.
“We are unlocking the full potential of our agricultural landscape to help farmers increase output, boost their income, and contribute to feeding the nation,” he noted.
Governor Otu also highlighted several other key agricultural programs, including the Cassava Seed Multiplication Project, the Project Grow initiative in collaboration with Flour Mills Plc for maize and soybean farming, and a pilot commercial sorghum project with Champion Breweries.
Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to distribute improved cowpea seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs to smallholder farmers, as well as plans for expanding cocoa and coffee estates through public-private partnerships.
His words: “This tractor distribution is a significant milestone.
“It is part of our broader strategy focused on mechanization, value-chain development, and inclusive agricultural growth.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, representing Boki I State Constituency, described the initiative as a landmark moment in the state’s agricultural history.
“This is unprecedented in Cross River State,” he said. “Governor Otu’s leadership offers a new dawn for our farmers, and if they seize this opportunity, his vision to feed the world will become a reality.”
Mr. Femi Odeleye, CEO of Bespoke Concepts Limited, the supplier of the tractors, also praised the initiative. “This is the beginning of a new agricultural revolution in Cross River,” Odeleye said. “Through the distribution of these tractors, the governor is not just providing machinery, but empowering communities and transforming lives.”
He further revealed plans to establish a tractor assembly plant in Calabar, which could create more than 2,000 jobs.
Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Cross River, compared Governor Otu’s leadership to that of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, former Premier of Eastern Nigeria.
“Your leadership has brought a new sense of hope to Cross River, much like Dr. Okpara did for the Eastern Region.
“The legacy you are building will echo for generations to come,” he said.
