FG unveils mechanisation policy, targets 4,000 tractors annually

The federal government has unveiled the National Agricultural Mechanisation Policy and the National Agricultural Mechanisation Investment Strategy as part of efforts to boost food production and achieve national food sovereignty.

Under the new policy framework, the government plans to establish a mega tractor assembly plant capable of producing between 2,000 and 4,000 tractors annually.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation.

Mr Kyari said the two policy instruments would provide a framework for transforming Nigeria from an agricultural potential into a major agricultural powerhouse.

He said the government’s mechanisation strategy goes beyond the provision of tractors to cover land preparation, planting, irrigation, crop protection, harvesting, processing, storage, logistics, precision agriculture, digital technology, financing, insurance, maintenance and after-sales services.

“Our ambition, therefore, must be larger than equipment ownership,” the minister said.

He said the government was working towards a “Mechanisation-as-a-Service” economy where farmers could access machinery when and where they needed it at commercially viable costs.

Mr Kyari said the government had, under the Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, begun the procurement and deployment of 2,000 tractors, alongside more than 9,000 assorted implements and spare parts.