Tinubu directs distribution of tractors directly to farmers, says Minister

 

The State Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS), Sen Sabi Abdullahi has allayed the fear on Belarus imported tractors sometimes launched at Sheda, Gbwagbada, Abuja going into wrong hands as President Tinubu has ordered that the small scale farmers be on priority list of the beneficiaries.

Senator Sabi Abdullahi reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring that Belarus tractors currently housed in Sheda are distributed transparently and equitably to small holder farmers across the country.

In a press briefing, where foodfarmnews asked the question as regards the imported tractors, Senator Abdullahi said President Tinubu has directed that the small scale farmers be given a fair share of the tractors having realized they might not be able to afford the unit price of one through their one or two hectare of land.

He said the presidential directive has nullified the long-standing concerns about mechanization  assets being cornered by politicians, stressing that President Bola Tinubu has given a clear order to avoid such sharp practices.

The State Minister said that “ What the President has given us as his policy directives is that we should work out a program at a scale that will guarantee small holder farmers access to mechanization services"

He emphasized that they have been instructed to institute a program that would easily accommodate the farmers having free access to the tractors and other agricultural implements having realized they may not be able to buy the tractor at its present price.

"As a solution the government is working to establish Agricultural Mechanization Service Centers (AMSCs) across key farming zones.These centers will provide affordable access to tractors and expert-led services to improve farm productivity and reduce the overall cost of production"

“It’s not cost-effective for them to buy a tractor just to cultivate one or two hectares. But with access to these centers, not only will the cost of production come down, but their productivity will also increase" Sen. Abdullah said.

He also described the tractors in question as being very cost effective to maintain with advanced technology that would give sign to owners when is due for service.

“These tractors are smart. If they’re due for servicing and the user tries to ignore it, the machine simply would not start. This is to ensure we maintain them properly in order to extend their lifespan" said the minister.

The state Minister acknowledged that the tractors arrived too late for the 2025 rainy season farming, pointed out that government is now focusing on timely deployment of them for the dry and preparation for 2026 rainy season cultivations.