Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have commenced the review of the agricultural mechanization policy document to ensure it is implementable once it passes through the National Assembly as a bill.
Speaking specifically at the stakeholders’ workshop on the review of the national agricultural mechanization policy document, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, lamented that agricultural mechanization in Nigeria is characterized by low-level, crude practices.
The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, said the national policy on agricultural mechanization aims to achieve food security, livelihood security, and strong export-push and import-substitution components.
He further noted that agricultural mechanization provides technological inputs and tasks that create, improve, increase, and expand productivity through efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable strategies.
Fashedemi also noted that successive governments have focused on selective mechanization through the importation and procurement of tractors, implements, and other farm machinery by federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector, with little or no control over the application of standards.
He stated that the policy seeks to “create an enabling environment for mechanization development, build capacity for training, research, and technology development, promote mechanization for increased productivity, and provide quality assurance.
“It will set goals and directions for the present and future development and management of mechanization in the country, provide clear direction for sustainable growth and development of the agricultural mechanization sub-sector, and establish measures and guidelines which the government shall undertake to achieve optimal development of the sub-sector and from which laws governing its management shall be formulated.”
The Permanent Secretary also stated that the proposed interventions will be supported by appropriate institutional, legal frameworks, and stakeholders at all levels to ensure successful implementation.
“The implementation of this policy will thus result in an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanization activities, and I am confident that this will lead to the realization of increased productivity, food security, and increased farmer incomes as envisioned in the National Agricultural Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027.”
He added, “The implementation of agricultural mechanization policy will require active engagement of all relevant stakeholders, including government institutions and private sectors. This will be complemented by institutional and legal frameworks once enacted by the National Assembly, which will undoubtedly provide an enabling environment for the rapid development of the mechanization sub-sector.”
According to him, the policy further seeks to stimulate and guide agricultural mechanization development through intensified private sector-led investment, improved research and technology, extension services, and capacity building for service providers, operators, and farmer organizations to ensure the development and sustainability of the sub-sector.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Federal Department of Rural Development, Frank Kudla, identified agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population and essential to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
He noted that the traditional methods that have served the country well in the past now require transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. This transformation, he emphasized, hinges on the adoption of mechanization and innovation.
“Also, with the challenges of climate change, urbanization, and a growing population, it is more critical than ever that we embrace innovation and mechanization in our agricultural practices,” Kudla noted.
Kudla explained that the workshop brings together a diverse group of stakeholders—from policymakers, agricultural experts, and industry leaders to farmers’ associations and development partners—to review and refine the Draft Agricultural Mechanization Policy, a document that is intended to serve as a guiding framework for the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“This policy aims not only to promote the adoption of mechanized farming practices but also to empower our farmers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to thrive in a competitive global market.
“Each of you brings a unique perspective and expertise that is crucial in shaping a policy that is not only comprehensive but also inclusive and actionable. The draft policy before us is the result of extensive research and consultations. It addresses critical areas such as access to machinery, training, finance, and sustainable practices.”
“Our discussions today will focus on several key areas: identifying the challenges and opportunities within our current mechanization efforts, exploring best practices from around the world, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders,” he added.