…says 32,500 units of tractors, implements to be deployed

By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – THE Federal Government, yesterday, disclosed moves to train 819 tractor operators and mechanics to up-scale food production across the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Fashedemi, made this known while speaking at a 2-Day Stakeholders Workshop on the Review of Draft National Agricultural Mechanization Policy Document held in Abuja.

Fashedemi represented by the Director, Department of Policy and Planning Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, explained that the 819 tractor operators and mechanics to be trained would be equipped with broad knowledge, practical skill in handling agricultural machinery to enhance food production.

According to the Permanent Secretary, agricultural mechanization would provide technological inputs, increase and expand productivity through efficient, cost effective as well as sustainable strategies.

Meanwhile, the Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Centre, AMMOTRAC, Akure and Misau respectively will play host to the trainees and trainers.

He said: ‘’The training will deepen their knowledge and provide strong ground in agricultural mechanization technology with excellent practical experience.

“There is no national policy on agricultural mechanization in Nigeria, the development of this mechanization policy comes at a critical time when the government is exploring various avenues to procure agricultural equipment amidst low agricultural output.

“The significance of the national policy in Agricultural mechanization is to attain food security, livelihood security, strong export – push and import substitution components.

“Implementation of this policy will create an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanization activities, and confident it will lead to increase in productivity, improved food security, and higher income for farmers.”

‘Also the Ministry’s Scribe disclosed that, “The Ministry will seek to reinvigorate mechanization deployment through the engagement of Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, such as John Deere/Tata, Belarus tractor, Greener Hope Initiative Programme and Green Imperative Programme (GIP) to provide 32,500 Units of tractors with implements, and other assorted machinery for the next five years. This will provide the fulcrum and stimulate the youths and women into agricultural production in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Representative of the Origin Tech Group, Dr Olasupo Musa, stated the organization had organized capacity training for 5,000 youths in equipment handling and repairs as well as establishment of 150,000 hectares of medium and large scale farms nationwide.

Olasupo also pledged continuous support for the mechanization programme in line with the present administration’s policy in the agriculture sector.