News in Brief:
– Enugu State is set to become a major tractor manufacturing hub in Nigeria, with plans to assemble 1,000 tractors locally by 2025.
– This initiative aims to boost local agriculture, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Enugu State is set to become a major hub for tractor manufacturing in Nigeria, as Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has announced plans to assemble 1,000 tractors locally by 2025. This initiative is part of the governor’s broader vision to transform the state’s economy and ensure food security.
In a significant step towards achieving this goal, the state government has partnered with a Danish company to begin tractor assembly. The initial phase of the project will see over 300 tractors produced by the end of 2024.
Essentially, the availability of locally-produced tractors will have a profound impact on Enugu’s agricultural sector. Farmers will no longer need to rely on imported machinery, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Also, more tractors will be available for lease or hire, reducing wait time which have been affecting large-scale farming operations.
Furthermore, Governor Mbah emphasised the importance of value addition in the agricultural sector. The state is developing a Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) to facilitate the processing of agricultural products, ensuring that Enugu benefits from the full value chain.
The governor stated that the plan goes beyond just producing and exporting food raw. Instead, with local processing to add value, farmers will create and capture those values.
Meantime, to support the growth of the agricultural sector, the state government says it is investing heavily in infrastructure. This projects will include road construction, improving power supply, and providing access to water.
Additionally, the government is working to enhance security in the state to create a conducive environment for businesses and farmers.
Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and attracting investors. He called on businesses to take advantage of the growing investment opportunities in Enugu.
