FG Aims for 2,000 Annual Tractor Production to Boost Food Output

As part of its commitment to bolstering food production, the Federal Government has revealed its ambitious target of achieving local production of 2,000 tractors annually. The announcement was made by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, during a courtesy visit by Mr. Jason Brantley, the Vice-President of John Deere Ltd., a prominent tractor manufacturing company, to Abuja last Friday. This information was shared in a statement by Mr. Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Assistant Director of Information in the ministry.

Kyari emphasized that the initiative to localize tractor production aims not only to enhance food security but also to generate employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths, and strengthen overall food and nutrition security in the country. The minister reiterated this stance during the courtesy visit from Jason Brantley, who visited as a follow-up to a meeting between Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima and top officials of John Deere Ltd. at the World Food Prize Foundation Day on October 24 in Iowa, USA.

Regarding the partnership details between the Federal Government and John Deere Ltd., Kyari clarified that the government would not directly purchase the tractors. Instead, it plans to create a conducive environment for farmers to afford them through low-interest loans, facilitating year-round farming. Farmers, in turn, would be required to form clusters or cooperatives to collectively acquire the tractors, with the option of making payments in installments.

Brantley, in his remarks, revealed that John Deere Ltd. is exploring multiple avenues, including tractor hiring, acquisition, and local production. The company is committed to providing after-sales services, genuine spare parts, and training for operators and mechanics. The tractors are expected to have a capacity ranging between 75 horsepower and 90 horsepower, suitable for various terrains.

To provide context, Nairametrics had previously reported in October that the Federal Government announced John Deere Ltd.’s intention to establish a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria. The discussions between Vice President Kashim Shettima and John Deere Ltd. officials at the World Food Prize Foundation Day in Iowa laid the foundation for this initiative. The meeting was facilitated by Mr. John Coumantaros, the Chairman of Flour Mills of Nigeria, according to press releases from Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity in the office of the Vice President.

Brantley emphasized that the establishment of the tractor assembly plant would not require direct government investment but would necessitate credit guarantees to facilitate access to affordable credit for individuals or groups interested in participating in the venture. This underscores the collaborative approach between the Federal Government and John Deere Ltd. in their efforts to revolutionize tractor production and contribute to the growth of mechanized farming in Nigeria.