Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Wednesday unveiled 15 new tractors and several modern farm implements to boost food production in the state.
The measure would effectively add bite to the mechanization component of the agricultural transformation plan recently launched by the State.
AbdulRazaq said mechanization is the key to successful agricultural production, a pillar of the agricultural master plan.
He said his administration kicked off implementation with the recent shutdown of the farm input subsidy program that gave at least 10,000 farmers access to improved seedlings, fertilizers and chemicals at half the price. of the market.
The purchase of new tractors and implements is another important step as the administration did not inherit any functional tractors when it came to power in 2019, AbdulRazaq noted during the event attended by Deputy Governor Kayode. Alabi.
“The commissioning today of 15 new tractors and implements highlights the mechanization component of the agricultural transformation plan.
“I must mention, for the record, that our administration did not inherit any functional tractor in 2019. This step shows our seriousness to truly transform the way we cultivate and place Kwara on the agribusiness map” , said the governor.
“The goal of our mechanization program is to ensure increased production of higher value products. It will also eliminate the difficulties associated with agricultural production fueled by human labor.
“This initiative was designed to provide mechanization services to smallholders and commercial farmers in the state.
“This is only the first in a series of our mechanization initiative. We would acquire more tractors and other sophisticated equipment such as combines, seeders, boom sprayers and others to support our farmers and boost production.
“This will totally transform the way agricultural production is done in Kwara and make mechanization the norm for all farmers in the state,” he said.
According to him, the objective of the transformation plan is “to ensure food security, sustainable growth and create jobs”.
Other tools launched included plows, harrows, billers and a mobile workshop to manage the machines well.
The Speaker of the House or National Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Salihu, pointed out that the administration has committed so many resources to supporting small farmers.
“Our grassroots farmers can make a difference and we are truly grateful to the governor for his efforts,” he said.
The permanent secretary of the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajia Maryam Nurudeen, explained that the administration had purchased the cost-effective and adaptable mechanisms to improve the mechanization program to advance commercial agriculture in the state.
“Today’s event marks the start of the second phase of the implementation of the state’s agricultural transformation plan which comes two weeks after the start of the farm input subsidy program.
“This program could not have come at a better time when the rains start to set in and our farmers are returning to their various farms ready to prepare,” she said.
Nurudeen assured residents that ordinary small farmers would reap the benefits of mechanized agriculture to increase food production in the state with a huge effect on farmers’ efficiency as well as the quality and quantity of their produce.
The representative of the Association of All Farmers of Nigeria in the State, Alhaji Mahmud Bello, said, “All the support from your administration is useful for agricultural activities in the State. We thank you for your numerous interventions in the sector. ”
