The Federal Government is finalising arrangements to train 819 Tractor Operators and Mechanics towards boosting food production in the country.
This is to be done through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The Ministry will equip them with broad knowledge, practical skill in handling Agricultural Machinery to enhance food production.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Peter Temitope Fashedemi, during a 2 Day Stakeholders Workshop on the Review of Draft National Agricultural Mechanization Policy Document held in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Department of Policy and Planning Coordination, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu said that the Ministry would train 819 tractor operators and mechanics at Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Centre (AMMOTRAC) at Akure and Misau respectively.
In a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, AD, Information, on behalf Director, Information, he said that ‘’the training will deepen their knowledge and provide strong ground in Agricultural Mechanization Technology with excellent practical experience’’.
Agricultural Mechanisation, the Permanent Secretary said would provide technological inputs, increase and expand productivity through efficient, cost effective as well as sustainable strategies.
He noted that ‘’there is no national policy on agricultural mechanization in Nigeria, the development of this mechanization policy comes at a critical time when the government is exploring various avenues to procure agricultural equipment amidst low agricultural output.’
’The significance of the national policy in Agricultural mechanization is to attain food security, livelihood security, strong export – push and import substitution components.
‘’Implementation of this policy will create an enabling environment for vibrant agricultural mechanization activities, and confident it will lead to increase in productivity, improved food security, and higher income for farmers”.
’The Ministry will seek to reinvigorate Mechanization deployment through the engagement of Original Equipment Manufacturers OEM’s such as John Deere/Tata, Belarus tractor, Greener Hope Initiative Programme and Green Imperative Programme (GIP) to provide 32,500 Units of tractors with implements, and other assorted machinery for the next 5 years. This will provide the fulcrum and stimulate the youths and women into agricultural production in Nigeria’’ he said
In his remarks, Representative of the Origin Tech Group, Dr Olasupo Musa stated that the organization had organized capacity training for 5,000 youths in equipment handling and repairs as well as establishment of 150,000 hectares of medium and large scale farms nationwide.
He also pledged continuous support for the mechanization programme in line with the Present Administration’s policy in the agriculture sector.
In attendance were various stakeholders in the agriculture sector such as John Deere/Tata, Belarus tractor, Greener Hope Initiative Programme, and Green Imperative Programme (GIP)