News in brief:
– Nigeria plans to start producing 2,000 tractors annually, addressing farmers’ challenges in accessing affordable mechanisation.
– The Ministry of Agriculture aims to support local production, creating an enabling environment and encouraging cooperative financing for farmers to acquire the equipment.
In a significant step towards boosting food security, Nigeria has announced plans to commence local production of 2,000 tractors annually.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aims to address the challenges faced by farmers in accessing affordable and reliable mechanization options.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by a delegation from John Deere, a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer, to the office of Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. The delegation, led by the company’s Vice President Jason Brantley, explored the feasibility of establishing a local tractor production facility in Nigeria.
Minister Kyari emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting local production and providing farmers with access to affordable tractors. He explained that the administration would not directly purchase the tractors but would, instead, focus on creating an enabling environment for their production and distribution. This includes facilitating low-interest financing options to ensure that farmers can readily acquire the equipment.
Also, to optimise usage, Minister Kyari encouraged farmers to form clusters or cooperatives. This collaborative approach would enable them to pool resources and collectively finance tractor purchases, thereby enhancing their productivity and profitability.
Similarly, he highlighted the importance of evaluating existing cooperatives to identify those that could benefit from support in accessing the tractors. He also stressed the need to focus on crops suitable for mechanized farming to maximize the impact of this initiative.
John Deere Vice President Jason Brantley explained the company’s comprehensive approach to supporting local production. He mentioned that it encompasses hiring, acquisition, and production of tractors, as well as after-sales services, supply of genuine spare parts, and training of operators and mechanics. He emphasised that the tractors, ranging from 75 to 90 horsepower, are suitable for diverse terrains and crop cultivation across Nigeria.
