Federal Government Receives First Batch of 2,000 Tractors from Belarus
The Federal Government has taken a significant step toward revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector with the arrival of the first batch of 2,000 tractors from Belarus. This development fulfills President Bola Tinubu’s directive to modernize farming activities and boost food production across the country.
The heavy-duty equipment, which has been assembled in Abuja, marks a milestone in the Nigeria-Belarus mechanization partnership formalized in September 2024. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture, increasing productivity, and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize agriculture and ensure food security for our nation. The arrival of these tractors underscores our commitment to revolutionizing farming practices and increasing productivity across the country,” Kyari stated.
Each of the 2,000 tractors is accompanied by 9,072 assorted agricultural implements designed to support a wide range of farming operations. To ensure maximum impact, the tractors will be distributed through three key schemes:
1. **Direct Purchase**: Individuals and organizations can acquire the tractors outright.
2. **Leasing Scheme**: Farmers can access mechanization services at affordable rates without the full costs of ownership.
3. **Service Provider Model**: Tractor service centers will be established in farming communities, allowing smallholder farmers to lease tractors as needed.
The initiative is expected to address the challenges of low mechanization in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which has historically limited productivity and increased reliance on manual labor. By providing farmers with access to modern equipment, the government aims to enhance efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and ultimately boost food production.
The Nigeria-Belarus partnership is part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to transform agriculture into a cornerstone of economic growth and development. The deployment of these tractors is expected to create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and contribute to the nation’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency.
As the tractors are distributed and put to use, the Federal Government has pledged to monitor the initiative closely to ensure its success and sustainability. This development is a clear indication of Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships and modern technology to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector.
