The Federal Government has commenced the recruitment of 819 young Nigerians to be trained as tractor operators and mechanics, aiming to boost mechanised farming and strengthen food security across the country.
This initiative was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Temitope Fashedemi, at a two-day workshop in Abuja focused on drafting the National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy.
The workshop gathered policymakers, agricultural experts, industry leaders, farmers’ associations, and development partners.
Fashedemi, represented by the ministry’s Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Ibrahim Tanimu, lamented that despite the procurement of over 30,000 agricultural machines over the years, Nigeria currently has fewer than 5,000 functional tractors.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for involving agricultural equipment manufacturers such as John Deere, Belarus Tractors, and the Green Imperative Programme in the plan to supply an additional 32,500 tractors over the next five years.
The Permanent Secretary added that this development has led the ministry to initiate the training of 819 tractor operators and mechanics at training centres in Akure and Misau.
He said, “Currently, there is no national policy on agricultural mechanisation in Nigeria. The development of this mechanisation policy comes at a critical time when the government is exploring various avenues to procure agricultural equipment amidst low agricultural output.
“The implementation of this policy will create an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanisation activities, and I am confident it will lead to increased productivity, improved food security, and higher income for farmers.”
“Furthermore, the Ministry plans to train 819 tractor operators and mechanics at our training centres in Akure and Misau. The programme is designed to equip participants, including youths and women, with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to handle farm machinery.”
Earlier in his address, the Director of the Federal Department of Rural Development, Frank Kudla, supported the review of the agricultural mechanisation policy, describing it as a result of extensive research and consultation.
Kudla, who also chairs the policy draft committee, reiterated that for agriculture to remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, traditional farming methods must evolve to incorporate modern technology to meet the needs of a growing population.
He said, “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. However, the traditional methods that have served us well in the past must now transform to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. This transformation relies on the adoption of mechanisation and innovation.
“This policy aims not only to promote mechanised farming practices but also to empower our farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
“The draft policy before us results from extensive research and consultations. It addresses critical areas such as machinery access, training, finance, and sustainable practices. Together, let us build a vibrant and mechanised agricultural sector in Nigeria.”