News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister met with representatives from Swaraj Tractors, a leading Indian manufacturer, to discuss a potential collaboration to improve agricultural productivity through mechanisation.
– This aligns with the government’s push to address Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s least mechanised farming nations.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, recently received a courtesy call from representatives of Swaraj Tractors, a leading Indian tractor manufacturer.
The visit aimed to introduce the Minister and his team to Swaraj’s latest agricultural machinery offerings and showcase its newest tractor models, highlighting their features and potential benefits for Nigerian agriculture.
Following the presentation, Senator Kyari expressed his satisfaction with the visit and his appreciation for the innovative features of the showcased machinery. He believes these advancements could significantly contribute to increased agricultural productivity in Nigeria.
“This meeting has been very fruitful,” the Minister remarked, “and I look forward to exploring further collaborations that can empower our farmers and strengthen the agricultural sector as a whole.”
Boosting mechanised farming
Meanwhile, this development aligns with the Nigerian government’s current focus on bolstering domestic agricultural output through increased mechanisation. Notably, the administration recently entered a five-year agreement with American tractor manufacturer John Deere to acquire 2,000 tractors annually.
However, Nigeria faces a significant challenge in meeting its agricultural machinery needs. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the country’s tractor density (tractor horsepower per hectare of land) is estimated at a meagre 0.27hp/hectare, falling far below the recommended level of 1.5hp/hectare. This positions Nigeria as one of the least mechanised agricultural nations globally.
About Swaraj Tractors
Founded in 1974, Swaraj Tractors holds a prominent position among India’s leading tractor brands. Their mission, established at their inception, was to achieve self-reliance by developing India’s first indigenous tractor.
Today, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of tractors and farm equipment, catering to various agricultural needs. Their offerings range from 15hp to 65hp tractors, including specialised models for wetland applications and horticulture.
Swaraj recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in India, marking the occasion with the launch of a limited-edition variant of their popular Swaraj 855 FE and Swaraj 744 FE tractors.
