The federal government on Tuesday outlined several initiatives to ramp up food production and control food inflation in the country, including prioritizing mechanization to increase agricultural yields.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stated during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that food production has lagged behind population growth, emphasizing the need to reverse this trend through the provision of high-yielding seeds.
He noted that the government is keen on moving farmers away from rudimentary farming methods, expressing confidence that citizens, particularly the youth, will soon embrace mechanized farming to save time and boost harvests.
He revealed that the federal government has received more than 250 new tractors, with additional shipments expected to arrive weekly.
According to him, the tractors arrived in the country in 85 containers, each containing three units.
He explained that this accounted for about 10% of the 2,000 tractors expected from Belarus under the federal government’s $1 billion agricultural mechanization program.
The program was approved during the 142nd meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held on June 27, 2024. It aims to establish 1,000 agro-sector service providers across the country equipped with tractors.
He said: “While some committee members were with me yesterday, we called the agents, and they confirmed that 85 containers have arrived. These containers are arriving almost weekly.
“So, if you calculate, each container holds about three tractors. This means over 255 tractors have already arrived.”
Kyari further explained that the ultimate goal is not just the number of tractors already in place but the delivery of 2,000 tractors and 9,000 accompanying implements. Each tractor will be paired with a plough, harrow, planter, and boom sprayer, totaling 2,000 of each implement, alongside 1,200 trailers. He added that some trailers are being rehabilitated by NASENI.
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“The commitment is not just about how many we have now. The focus is on delivering 2,000 tractors with all 9,000 implements. Each tractor will come with a plough, a harrow, a planter, and a boom sprayer.
“In addition, there will be 1,200 trailers instead of 2,000 because trailers are durable, and some are being rehabilitated by NASENI.”
The procurement also includes 9,000 sets of spare parts and 10 large combine harvesters of 330 horsepower, each capable of covering about 1.5 hectares per hour.
Kyari added: “In addition, 9,000 sets of spare parts will accompany this procurement. There will also be 10 combine harvesters with 330 horsepower.
“These harvesters can cover approximately 1.5 hectares per hour. This means that in one day, a harvester can cover at least 10 hectares, which is equivalent to 13 football fields.”
The Minister also hinted that the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) will be finalized in the first quarter of 2025.
Kyari stated that with branches in all 109 senatorial districts, the BOA would be reorganized to support the government’s budgetary efforts toward agricultural development in Nigeria.
He also mentioned the possible integration of the Green Imperative Project with the BOA’s restructuring plans.
On the timeline for the merger, Kyari added: “The reorganization and recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture are ongoing. Within the first quarter of this year, there will be a report outlining these processes.
“The Bank of Agriculture has branches in all 109 senatorial districts, making it well-positioned to assist farmers. The focus is on supporting smallholder farmers who lack capital.”
Kyari explained that these efforts are complemented by public financing mechanisms, development partners, and private banks, collectively working to strengthen agricultural programs across the country.
He cited successful partnerships with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, a United Nations organization based in Rome.
The Minister also highlighted efforts to address post-harvest losses through cold storage and improved logistics.
While acknowledging that the 2024 budget faced competing priorities nationwide, he emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing security in the 2025 budget.
He noted that many agricultural gains achieved in 2024 were linked to newly accessible farmlands in regions previously hindered by insecurity.
He stated: “Some of the successes achieved in 2024 resulted from previously inaccessible lands opening up due to improved security. For instance, in Borno State, areas heavily affected by terrorism are now accessible to farmers.
“In my local government area, there’s an 18-kilometer stretch along the river where farmers had a bumper rice harvest during the dry season last year.
“Similarly, Katsina State has reported a 70% improvement in security, which has opened up farmlands for cultivation.”
Kyari also revealed that the federal government would partner with South-West states to develop agricultural lands to boost food production and enhance food security.
