An online report which claimed that the Niger state government is selling Farming tractors to offset debt has been faulted.
The report titled (Niger State Begins Sake Of Farming Tractors To Service Debt…”) was described as unprofessional.
” Research confirms that Niger state has more combined harvesters than the whole of Nigeria combined, so what is all the jaundice story” ?
“Lets put this in proper context.
“What people are reacting to is a very narrow snapshot of a much bigger transition that is ongoing in Niger State. The state government just acquired additional 250 brand new tractors and 75 brand new combine harvesters and over 2000 implements to be distributed to the local governments a decision that relates to the desired grassroot impact.
” It is not, in any way, a retreat from agriculture or mechanization. It is another massive investment to the exiting fleet of tractors in niger state.
“Niger state is the state with the largest number of tractors in Nigeria and currently has 2 investors developing tractor production facilities because of the demand from the state government and the farmers in niger state.
“Niger State is currently hosting one of the most significant agricultural investments in the country. Through partnership with John Deere/ Agcoms International, Origin Group, CASE , ETC two assembly facilities are being established inside the Niger State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.
“The first 1,000 brand-new John Deere tractors from that facility are already committed for deployment into Niger State. And 2000 to the federal government.
“They are progressively advancing plans and service-driven model where tractors are locally assembled, properly maintained, and accessible to farmers when they need them. That is more efficient, more sustainable, and better for the farmer.
“The message to farmers across Nigeria is very simple. Niger State is open for food production. Niger State has the land, and is putting the mechanization backbone in place, and as such are building the ecosystem to support large-scale farming.
“Come with your seeds, fertilizer, chemicals, and agronomic inputs. The infrastructure and support are being aligned to ensure productivity.
“The state is taking mechanization to every local government and every ward. It is a transition from the old way of doing things to a smarter, long-term model that strengthens Niger State’s role in national food security.”