The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced plans for the in-country production of 2,000 tractors annually.
The minister emphasized that this initiative would not only contribute to increased food production but also generate employment opportunities, particularly benefiting Nigerian farmers, women, and youth while advancing the nation’s food and nutrition security.
The minister conveyed this vision during a meeting with a delegation from John Deere, led by Vice President Jason Braintley.
The visit served as a follow-up to discussions between Nigeria’s Vice President Ibrahim Shettima and top officials of John Deere at the recent World Food Prize Foundation in Iowa, USA.
Kyari outlined that the government’s role would be to create a conducive environment, ensuring that the tractors are accessible to Nigerian farmers at affordable rates with low-interest financing.
The move aligns with the goal of promoting year-round farming.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abudullahi, underscored the importance of evaluating existing cooperatives to identify those in need of support for tractor accessibility.
He emphasized the necessity of pinpointing crops most suitable for mechanization.
Jason Braintley from John Deere outlined the company’s comprehensive approach, including considerations for hiring, acquisition, production, after-sales services, genuine spare parts supply, and operator and mechanic training.
The tractors’ capacity is set to range between 75 and 90 horsepower, catering to diverse terrains in the country.
This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and international partnerships to drive mechanization, enhance agricultural efficiency, and fortify Nigeria’s position in achieving sustainable food security.