Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has affirmed that newly-bought tractors will not be diverted but go straight to farmers.
Governor Kefas earlier made this declaration during the unveiling of the first 250 out of the purchased 850 tractors and other farm implements from the Czech Republic, where he noted that the machines are part of his total commitment to making Taraba state the ultimate hub of food production.
In his words: “Taraba state has no business with hunger. With our vast land and potential in crops and cattle, we are now prepared to become the national leader in food security.”
According to Dr. Kefas, farmers remain the only hope for Nigeria as hunger is now a security threat to the nation.
He said the machines are not just about technology but sowing the seeds of hope.
Earlier in his welcome address, the commissioner of Agriculture, Professor Nick Namessan, said the farmers would sign agreements on receiving the tractors.
The agreement document showed farmers will produce guarantors that will serve as sureties. Payments will be on a 40 -60 % ratio with the government taking the larger share of the repayments.
The beneficiaries will pay 40 per cent of the cost, while the government will pick the remaining cost.
By subsidizing the cost of the tractors, the government expects more farmers to take advantage of the scheme. Prof Nick said the government will assiduously monitor the repayments and maintenance of the tractors.
Speakers at the event expressed their gratitude and noted that investment in agriculture is the way to ameliorate the food crisis in the land.
In his goodwill message, the former governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, extolled the virtues of Dr Kefas.
He said the workshop he commissioned during his tenure was vandalized over the years.
He said he was filled with pride that the current administration has restored the glory of the dilapidated structure.
He then commended the governor for viewing government as a continuous phenomenon where uncompleted projects are revived and strengthened.
Representatives of the Czech Republic Ambassador to Nigeria said they are elated by the business relationships they have with the state.
In his speech, leaders of the various farmers groups in the state said the tractors had come at the time farmers were in dire need of the machines.
They pledged the support of farmers to be the main supervisor of the scheme to ensure its survival.
The program was attended by all top government functionaries and some traditional rulers prominent among them including the Aku Uka of Wukari and the Emir of Muri.
