Tinubu declares war against obsolete farming, launches 2,000 tractors, 9,000 modern implements

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ( PBAT)  has officially launched the new Agricultural equipment, including 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 other implements, to change the face of present crude practices of farming practices to a sexy method that will attract the youths.

President Tinubu added that it is no longer fashionable to use the 18th-century method of farming in the 21st century, stressed that the sector must be made sexy with the use of modern technologies, to attract youths into farming.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja on Monday, PBAT unveiled over 9,022 units of advanced farming equipment, including bulldozers, mobile workshops, and other specialized implements, with 2,000 tractors.

The move, he said, marks the official end of what he described as “18th-century” agricultural practices in Nigeria. “We don’t have to use 18th-century methods for a 21st-century farming system.” 

Tinubu said the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda he promised Nigerians as regards food security, with the promotion of all-year-round farming through irrigation.

The newly commissioned equipment includes: 2,000 tractors of varying specifications (80HP–90HP, 2WD & 4WD), 50 bulldozers for land preparation, 12 mobile workshops, 10 high-capacity 330-horsepower combine harvesters, and 8,000+ specialized implements, spare parts, trailers, ploughs, sprayers, and planters.

PBAT pointed there would be three tiers of distribution for wider access to ensure inclusive access across the country, saying the service providers' model of leasing to farmers with an upfront payment and leasing model in an organized hub would be applied to ensure seamless access.

Speaking at the event, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS) described the program as a landmark achievement towards sustainable food security,  saying that “ This is not just a program, it’s a revolution in mechanized farming."

Kyari pointed the injection of this modern equipment into use would bring about a great positive multiplier effect on food availability and enhanced economic activities with income empowerment.

According to the Minister, “ We expect to bring over 550,000 hectares under cultivation, generate 2 million metric tons of staple food annually, create more than 16,000 jobs, and directly impact 560,000 rural households across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones."

Also speaking,  Mr. Victor Karankevich, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, reaffirmed his country's commitment to Nigeria’s mechanization drive, saying that " We’re proud to support Nigeria in this bold effort.” 

Architect Ibrahim Kabiru, President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), described it as a “promise fulfilled” by President Tinubu.

“We are truly encouraged. This program will go a long way in boosting productivity and rural development."

An expert in agricultural engineering and a former director at FMAFS, Engr. Mathew Olusegun Owolabi commended the comprehensive nature of the initiative and added the need to galvanize the sector's financing for farming regardless of rainy seasons.

Owolabi said, “ This isn’t just tractorization, it’s full mechanization. What remains now is to strengthen agricultural financing, particularly for irrigation, so that these machines can be fully used year-round, not just during the rainy season.”