FG begins distribution of 2,000 tractors to boost mechanised farming

The federal government has commenced the nationwide deployment of 2,000 heavy-capacity tractors and over 9,000 precision farming implements to strengthen mechanised agriculture.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, flagged off the distribution on Monday at Sheda, Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory.

Kyari explained that the “first tranche of 600 tractors marks the beginning of a phased rollout, to be followed by 750 and 650 tractors respectively, culminating in a nationwide fleet of 2,000 mechanisation assets.”

“Through a N50 billion catalytic seed fund with the Bank of Industry, we are unlocking agro-industrial investment at scale. This wet season alone, N250 billion has been mobilised to finance one million smallholder farmers, each cultivating an average of one hectare in 2026, in partnership with state governments,” he added.

The minister further disclosed that the government is deploying 36 mobile service trucks for rapid first-line technical support and constructing seven mega mechanisation service centres strategically across the nation.

He also announced plans for a mega tractor assembly plant capable of producing 2,000–4,000 tractors annually, saying, “We are not importing dependency; we are building industrial capability.”

Senator Kyari noted that the initiative targets not just 2,000 beneficiaries, but approximately 1.2 million farmers across more than 1.5 million hectares annually, advancing national food sovereignty.

He explained that the tractors are entrusted to Mechanization Service Providers (MSPs) rather than private ownership, with each tractor servicing roughly 600 hectares per year. Many MSPs are youth- and women-led enterprises operating under a lease-to-own model.

The minister acknowledged that the equipment was imported early last year, but distribution was delayed, drawing criticism from farmers’ groups and stakeholders.

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