The Federal Government's launch of a mechanisation initiative with 2,000 tractors and 9,072 farm implements has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, expressed optimism that the programme would steadily gain momentum.
He acknowledged the high cost of tractors and urged smallholder farmers to form clusters to access tractor hiring services. He added that the imported Belarusian tractors should be tested for local adaptability.
However, critics argue the initiative is underwhelming. Economist Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu described the numbers as inadequate, noting that it translates to just two tractors per local government area insufficient for any meaningful agricultural transformation. He warned that past programmes with similar blueprints failed due to poor implementation and corruption.
Read also:
Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye, an agribusiness analyst, cautioned that without proper oversight, the tractors could end up in the hands of politicians. He urged the government to reduce bureaucracy and make mechanisation youth-friendly.
Farmer Ibe Onuoha stressed the need for transparency and training, while Dr. Victor Mathew called for a more integrated strategy, especially in tackling insecurity.
While seen as a positive step, experts agree the scale must match the urgency of Nigeria's food crisis.
No comments:
Post a Comment