Months after announcing plans to transition into mechanized farming with a four-year target of deploying 8,000 tractors, the federal government has taken delivery of 2,000 Belarus tractors to enhance food production and modernize agriculture.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, had disclosed that the annual production of 2,000 tractors in-country would significantly boost agricultural output and create jobs for Nigerian farmers, particularly women and youth.
This initiative was initially planned through John Deere, an American company known for manufacturing agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery.
The partnership was announced in November 2023, when John Deere Vice President Jason Braintley visited Kyari in Abuja.
Although the 2024 target of 2,000 tractors was not met through John Deere, Kyari confirmed the arrival of 2,000 Belarus tractors, produced by Minsk Tractor Works (MTZ), a Belarusian company based in Minsk, Belarus.
The announcement was made during an inspection in Kwali, Abuja, in a series of tweets on X.
He said, “This milestone reaffirms the government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture, increasing productivity, and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.”
Kyari highlighted that the tractors come in four models designed for different terrains and farming needs.
He said, “Their models include 90-horsepower (2-wheel drive), 90-horsepower (4-wheel drive), 80-horsepower (2-wheel drive), and 80-horsepower (4-wheel drive).”
He revealed that each category consists of 500 units, ensuring that farmers across the country have access to the appropriate machinery.
Kyari noted that over 200 containers carrying tractors and agricultural implements had already arrived in Lagos, with 20 containers currently in transit to Abuja.
He said, “As we speak, over 200 containers carrying tractors and implements have arrived in Lagos, with about 20 containers currently in transit to Abuja.
“Today alone, we have successfully taken delivery of five containers, each carrying three tractors, making a total of 15 tractors in this batch.
“Under this initiative, 2,000 tractors are being deployed, each complemented by 9,072 assorted agricultural implements designed to support different farming operations.”
To maximize impact, stabilize prices, and ensure accessibility, Kyari explained that the tractors would be distributed through three key schemes, “Direct purchase for individuals and organizations seeking to acquire them outright; a leasing scheme that provides affordable access to mechanization without full ownership costs, and a service provider model that establishes tractor service centers in farming communities, allowing smallholder farmers to lease tractors as needed.”
Beyond distribution, Kyari emphasized that the initiative is designed for long-term sustainability, ensuring the proper maintenance and continued use of the tractors.
He said, “Beyond distribution, this initiative is designed for long-term sustainability.
“The federal government is investing in training programs for Nigerian youth in tractor operations, maintenance, and service provision, creating employment opportunities while ensuring the longevity of the equipment.”
To guarantee tractor functionality for at least four years, the federal government has secured 9,000 sets of spare parts.
Additionally, mobile service workshops and nationwide service stations will be established to provide timely repairs and maintenance.
He said, “9,000 sets of spare parts have been secured to guarantee functionality for at least four years. To further support maintenance, mobile service workshops and service stations will be established nationwide for timely repairs and servicing.
“With more deliveries expected by mid-March 2025, this mechanization drive is set to revolutionize Nigerian agriculture, improve farm yields, and enhance the livelihoods of our farmers.
“This initiative is not just about bringing in tractors; it is about transforming Nigerian agriculture—making farming more efficient, productive, and ensuring food sufficiency for all.”
