Agriculture Mechanisation: FG Invests $1 billion in Tractors, Takes Delivery of 255

The Federal Government (FG) has taken delivery of 255 tractors, with additional shipments expected to arrive weekly. This marks early progress in the implementation of its ambitious $1 billion agricultural mechanization program aimed at boosting food production nationwide.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the development during the first edition of the “Meet-The-Press” series organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House in Abuja.

Kyari explained that the tractors, delivered in 85 containers with three units per container, represent about 10 percent of the 2,000 tractors expected from Belarus under the programme. Each tractor will come equipped with essential farming implements, including ploughs, harrows, planters, and boom sprayers, to enhance agricultural productivity across the country.

“But the commitment is not how much we have now. When will you give us the 2000 with all the 9000 implements? Because there will be 9000 implements, we are looking at 2000 tractors.

“The tractor in itself cannot do anything. What we have for every tractor there is a plough. So, we have 2000 ploughs. For every tractor, there’s a harrow; there will be 2000 harrows. Every tractor will have a planter. Then we’ll also have boom sprayers, which is 2000,” Kyari noted.

The program, approved by the National Economic Council on June 27, 2024, aims to establish 1,000 agro-service providers nationwide. These providers will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to support farmers, improve yields, and advance Nigeria’s food security agenda.

Kyari also addressed earlier concerns over delays in tractor delivery from manufacturers John Deere and Tata, which had been contracted to supply 2,000 units before the end of 2024. He expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership with Belarus Tractors to deliver 2,000 tractors annually for five years, ensuring a steady supply of equipment.

In addition to the new deliveries, some trailers used in previous programs are being rehabilitated by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to complement the current fleet.