Gov. Agbu Kefas, of Taraba has said that the newly procured tractors for farmers in the state was one of government’s strategies to boost food production.
Kefas made this known on Tuesday at the unveiling of the first 250, out of the purchased 850 tractors and other farm implements from the Czech Republic.
According to him, the machines are part of his total commitment to making Taraba State the ultimate hub of food production.
He reiterated his earlier declaration that Taraba State could feed its populace, as well as the entire country.
He said: “Taraba state has no business with hunger. With our vast land and potentials in crop and cattle, we are now prepared to become the national leader in food security.”
Kefas said farmers remained the hope of the state and Nigeria, as hunger had now become a security threat to the country.
While assuring the people that the inputs would get directly to the targeted farmers, the governor noted that the machines were not just about technology, but sowing the seeds of hope.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nick Namessan, said the farmers would sign agreements on receiving the tractors.
“To get a tractor, there is a procedure that indicates that farmers will produce guarantors that will serve as sureties.
“Payments will be on a 40-60 per cent ratio with government taking the larger share of the repayments. The beneficiaries will pay 40 per cent of the cost, while the government will pick the remaining cost.
“By subsidising the cost of the tractors, government expects more farmers to take advantage of the scheme.
“Already a mobile maintenance vehicle is also available to ensure swift repairs when they are broken down,” Namessan said.
Alhaji Sani Yahuza, a Public Affairs analyst, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the effort by the state government was a move in the right direction.
Yahuza however, advised the government to ensure the supply of the remaining tractors and fertiliser for the farmers, so that food security would be guaranteed. (NAN
