In a significant announcement, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has revealed plans to annually produce 2,000 tractors within the country, aiming to revolutionize food production.
This initiative, part of the minister’s four-year administration strategy, intends to deploy a total of 8,000 tractors, generating employment opportunities for Nigerian farmers, particularly women and youth, while addressing food and nutrition security.
Kyari made this declaration during a courtesy visit from a delegation led by Jason Braintley, Vice President of John Deere.
The visit was 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.
“The production of 2,000 tractors in-country yearly would enhance food production, create jobs for Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth, as well as achieving food and nutrition security in the country,” stated Kyari.
He emphasized that once produced, the government would facilitate an affordable, low-interest rate environment for Nigerian farmers to access the tractors, promoting year-round farming.
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Highlighting the importance of farmer collaboration, Kyari urged the formation of clusters or cooperatives to ensure mechanization access and enable installment payments over a few years.
In response to the minister’s announcement, Jason Braintley, Vice President of John Deere, expressed the company’s exploration into hiring, acquisition, and production feasibility.
He outlined additional services, including after-sales support, genuine spare parts supply, and operator and mechanic training.
The tractors, with a capacity ranging between 75 and 90 horsepower, are designed for diverse terrains in the country.
The event also saw the presence of key figures, including the Chairman and Directors of Flour Mills Nigeria, as well as the Country Director of Tata Africa Services.
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