The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, has restated government’s commitment to supporting farmers with mechanised equipments to promote Agricultural development for a sustainable economy.
Abubakar gave this assurance at the maiden edition of the West Africa Agro- Fair 2022 conference organised by the Afrinex West Africa Limited in collaboration with various stakeholders on Thursday in Abuja.
The minister added that the event targeted at promoting mechanisation and funding of Agriculture, creating new market and partnership for exhibitors subsequently promoting agricultural development for a sustainable economic development.
“It also complements President Muhammadu Buhari’s action plan on food security, economic development and job creation.
”This will avail participants with the opportunity to introduce their products and services, make contacts with leading Agricultural manufacturers across the world and platform for new engagements.
“It will drive Investment into Agricultural sector, provide opportunity for youths and improve national economic growth for families,” he said.According to him, it is pertinent to note that there is a nexus between technological growth and food security.
“Modern technological food equipments are meant to provide efficiency in production and processing , while Nigerian farmers have used rudimentary equipments over the years with little productivity.
“The Government is working with local and international companies to engage in bi-lateral and multilateral agreements, aimed at providing basic Agricultural machineries for our farmers.”
“About 10,000 tractors and 50,000 processing equipments are expected to be imported and will be distributed to all local governments across the country which will create hundreds of jobs.
“The government is doing everything possible to increase the number of tractors in the country to be made available especially to small holder farmers,” he said.‘
