In order to increase the productivity of the nation’s agricultural sector and eventually achieve food security, the Federal Government has disclosed plans to implement a comprehensive mechanization plan.
Using mechanized agriculture as the initiative’s driving force, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari recently revealed that the plan is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for economic revitalization. Nigeria currently faces challenges in mechanization, lagging behind other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
The country has just 0.27 tractors per 1,000 hectares of cropland, compared to 4.7 in South Africa and 2.7 in Ghana, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
According to Kyari, the new mechanization plan will improve Nigeria’s agricultural practices and address the disparity.
The minister expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting the mechanization program at the conclusion of the implementation review and preparatory meeting for the second phase of the 2023–2024 dry-season farming in Abuja.
Kyari emphasized the use of conventional instruments like hoes, saying that, “Mr. President is going to give us all the support for mechanization, and we will soon roll out the mechanization programme.”
Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, and Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, were present when the announcement was made.
Kyari and Bagudu emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and state governments to establish a farmers’ register for subsidised dry-season farming. Bagudu praised the ongoing farming, highlighting President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
Edun emphasized the diverse ecosystem of stakeholders working together to discuss and implement agricultural growth schemes, predicting successful harvests, increased food supply, lower prices, poverty alleviation, job creation, and overall economic stability. He expressed confidence in the president’s dedication to keeping promises.