The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Abubakar has announced that Nigeria will partner with the Brazilian government to supply and distribute 10,000 tractors to farmers across the country.
This move will fast-track the mechanization of the country’s agricultural sector, improve production and boost economic development, according to Abubakar.
He also stated that the partnership with the Brazilian government will ensure 10,000 units of tractors, 50,000 units of assorted implements and equipment for assembly in Nigeria, 142 turnkey factories for agro-processing, and training of the project beneficiaries for over 5 years are provided.
Adding that the development will likewise enhance food self-sufficiency and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The minister made this known at the opening ceremony of Africa’s Agricultural machines and equipment technology expo on industrializing Africa’s agriculture through technology and innovation that was held in Abuja recently.
He disclosed that this expo was meant to expose African Farmers to cost-effective farm machines and tools. As well as new farming technologies to increase the flow of foreign direct investments into the country.
Abubakar said that this is in line with the agricultural policy of the federal government to bring ease to the labor nature of the country’s farm practices to encourage youths to embrace the agricultural sector.
In another remark, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Umahkike, who was represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar Garuba, said that the expo was meant to uncover Africa’s farmers to the latest innovation in technology across the value chain.
He also expressed that “agriculture in Nigeria contributes about 33 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and engages a large number of workforces.”
