By: John Bassey, Gusau.
Zamfara State government under the leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal has commenced taking the delivery of 100 tractors under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, marking another major milestone in the state’s efforts to modernise agriculture and enhance food production.
As disclosed in a statement by Comrade Bashir Abashiya the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, the initiative follows the approval of ₦6.271 billion by the Zamfara State Executive Council for the state’s participation in the programme.
The package comprises 100 tractors 50 units of 81 horsepower and 50 units of 90 horsepower along with 100 disc ploughs, 100 disc harrows, 100 disc ridgers and other essential farm implements.
The programme also includes the establishment of an Agricultural Mechanisation Hub (Agri-Hub) in Gusau, which will serve as the operational centre for the management, maintenance and deployment of the tractors and other agricultural equipment across the state.
Implemented through the Bank of Agriculture under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope National Agricultural Mechanisation Programme, the initiative is supported by a 40 per cent Federal Government subsidy to participating states.
The tractors will be deployed under a pay-as-you-service model, enabling farmers across Zamfara to access mechanised farming services at subsidised rates.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Ya’u Haruna Gamji, described the commencement of the delivery as a significant boost to the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“The arrival of these tractors is a clear demonstration of the commitment of both the Federal Government and the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
This intervention will ease access to mechanised farming for our farmers, reduce production costs and ultimately increase yields across the state,” the Commissioner stated.
Hon. Gamji assured that the Ministry would ensure the transparent and efficient deployment of the equipment through the Agricultural Mechanisation Hub to guarantee maximum benefit for farmers in all parts of the state.
The commencement of the delivery of the tractors reinforces Zamfara State Government’s resolve to revitalise the agricultural sector, empower farmers and accelerate sustainable agricultural development for improved economic growth.
