In an effort to enhance mechanized farming and bolster the nation’s food and nutrition security, the federal government has disclosed plans to receive 500 tractors assembled by the John Deere Group. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food security, aiming to stimulate agricultural activities and increase production.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the significance of the tractor acquisition in a statement released by the ministry’s Assistant Director, Ezeaja Ikemefuna. According to Kyari, the arrival of 500 tractors from John Deere is expected by the end of May, with the remainder scheduled for delivery in September 2024. Additionally, he assured Nigerians that the group is committed to fulfilling the set target of supplying 2,000 tractors annually for the next five years under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Ministry.
Emphasizing the vital role of tractors in increasing agricultural yields, Kyari underscored their importance for growth in the agricultural sector. He reiterated the federal government’s dedication to enhancing food and nutrition security through mechanization, ensuring that the tractors will be accessible, available, and affordable for small, large-scale, and cooperative farmers nationwide.
Furthermore, Kyari revealed that the government has taken steps to stabilize the rice market by procuring 58,500 tons of milled rice from the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. This move is aimed at addressing market fluctuations and ensuring a steady supply of rice to consumers across the country.
The announcement of the tractor acquisition and rice procurement underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape, fostering sustainable development, and improving the livelihoods of farmers. As the nation strives to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, initiatives like these play a pivotal role in driving progress and economic prosperity in the agricultural sector.
