Nigeria Partners with Brazil on Supply of Tractors To Farmers
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Mohammad Abubakar has disclosed that Nigeria is set to partner Brazil on the supply and distribution of 10,000 tractors to farmers across the country.
Abubakar made this known at the opening ceremony of Africa’s Agricultural Machines and Equipment Technology Expo in Abuja.
Speaking, the minister noted that the partnership aimed to fast track the mechanisation of the agricultural sector, improve production, boost the economy, enhance food self-sufficiency and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Also, Abubakar said the purpose of the expo was to expose African farmers to cost- effective farm machines and new farming technologies to increase foreign direct investments, as well as to foster businesses among farm products, producers and processors, in line with the agricultural development policy of the Federal Government.
According to him, the development is a clarion call to bring succour to the drudgery nature of Nigeria’s farm practices in order to encourage the teeming youths to embrace the agricultural sector.
Abubakar explained that the expo would bring about close interaction with experts in the field of agricultural engineering such as farm power and machinery, irrigation, soil and water engineering, and storage of agricultural products in commercial quantity.
His words: “The quest for food self- sufficiency cannot be achieved using the old method of rudimentary tools. The partnership with Brazil would ensure the provision of 10,000 units of tractors, 50,000 units of assorted implements and equipment, 142 turnkey factories for agro processing as well as training of beneficiaries over a period of five years.”
The minister, therefore, urged farmers to avail themselves of the opportunity to increase productivity, while calling on stakeholders to identify global investment opportunities through the knowledge and business sharing platform.
Agro Nigeria
