By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO — The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy hand-powered tillers across the 36 states of the federation as part of efforts to deepen agricultural mechanisation and improve productivity among smallholder farmers.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this while delivering a lecture at the Professor Gabriel Makanjuola Lecture Series organised by the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Kyari said the initiative is aimed at reducing the reliance of smallholder farmers on crude farming implements such as hoes and cutlasses by providing affordable mechanised alternatives.

He explained that the programme builds on the Federal Government’s deployment of 2,000 tractors in February 2026 to cultivate about 1.5 million acres of farmland across the country.

According to the minister, smallholder farmers account for about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s food production, making it imperative to strengthen their capacity through accessible mechanisation and modern farming technologies.

“What we are trying to do is to impact local and rural communities. Mechanisation is expensive, so it is time to develop small mechanised tools that will replace the cutlasses and hoes used by smallholder farmers. We have already started doing that,” Kyari said.

“Mr President has already launched the 2,000 tractors, which are being deployed across the country. Very soon, we will also roll out small hand-powered tillers.”

He added that the Federal Government would soon unveil a national agricultural mechanisation policy to guide investment and implementation in the sector.

“There is a mechanisation programme that will be launched shortly. The policy will not only guide government but will also provide direction for state governments and development partners,” he said.

Kyari called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers, particularly agricultural engineers, to develop affordable, locally manufactured mechanised equipment tailored to the needs of Nigerian farmers.

He also paid tribute to Professor Emeritus Gabriel Makanjuola, describing him as a pioneer whose contributions to agricultural engineering and innovation have had a lasting impact on the sector.

Also speaking, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, underscored the importance of reducing manual labour in agriculture through engineering solutions.

He said agricultural engineering should focus on improving productivity, reducing production time and creating greater economic value for farmers and consumers alike.

“The future of agricultural engineering in Nigeria is promising. It should be directed towards adding economic value, reducing labour and increasing productivity and income across the agricultural value chain,” he said.

In his remarks, Professor Emeritus Gabriel Makanjuola expressed appreciation to Obafemi Awolowo University for conferring on him the title of Emeritus Professor.

He also thanked members of the university community, professional colleagues, dignitaries, family members and guests for celebrating the milestone with him.