The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Heifer International Nigeria, has revealed plans to deploy 10,000 John Deere tractors over the next five years to transform farming practices across the country.
Addressing Nigeria’s long standing mechanization deficit, the government revealed that the nation’s tractor density stands at 0.27 tractors per 1,000 hectares, far below the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) recommended minimum of 1.5 tractors per 1,000 hectares.
This announcement was made at a Stakeholders’ Mechanization Workshop organized by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, described the low mechanization rate as a major barrier to agricultural productivity.
He explained that the programme will launch with a pilot phase deploying 2,000 tractors within six months, serving as a model for scaling up operations to achieve the target of 10,000 tractors by 2029.
“Mechanization in Nigeria has become a challenge, as you’re all aware. Our low mechanization rates directly impact farmers’ yields and the nation’s economic development. This initiative aims to create a robust and inclusive implementation plan to address these issues,” Ibrahim stated.
He also emphasized the significance of the workshop in shaping the programme, noting that stakeholder insights would be critical in crafting a sustainable framework for implementation.
“This is just one of five mechanization programs planned under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at transforming agriculture, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth,” he added.
Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. “Tractors rarely come to mind when thinking of agricultural technology, but they are essential for boosting productivity. Beyond deployment, this programme will create ripple effects—jobs, training, and maintenance opportunities,” he remarked.