In a bid to ensure food security in the agricultural sector, the Federal Government (FG) has partnered with John Deere, an American Tractor producing firm, to produce 75 to 90 horse-power 2000 tractors annually.
The pieces of machinery would be distributed to farmers across the country.
The FG, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the pact would enhance food production and create jobs for the local farmers, especially women, and youths, as the decision was in line with the present administration’s drive to promote agriculture in the county.
In a statement on Friday by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Acting Director of Information the Ministry, the Agric Minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the government would provide the enabling environment to make the tractors affordable at a low-interest rate to farmers for use at both dry and rainy seasons.
The Minister disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the international firm led by its Vice President, Jason Brantley.
Brantley, who was on a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja, said the meeting was a follow-up discussion between Vice President Kashim Shettima and top officials of the company at the recent World Food Prize Foundation, held in Lowa, USA.
He told the minister that the company was exploring the feasibility of hiring, acquisition, and production, in addition to after-sales services, supply of genuine spare parts, and training of operators and mechanics.
In his remarks, Minister of State, Agriculture, and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, called for evaluating existing co-operatives to ascertain those requiring support.
According to him, the review became vital to access the tractors when available while highlighting the importance of identifying crops most suitable for mechanization.
Other important dignitaries and stakeholders attended the meeting.
