GOVT TARGETS 4,000 LOCALLY ASSEMBLED TRACTORS ANNUALLY

The Federal Government has set a target of producing 4,000 locally assembled tractors annually as part of efforts to expand agricultural mechanisation and improve farm productivity.

The initiative is aimed at increasing access to affordable agricultural machinery and reducing farmers’ dependence on imported equipment.

Government officials said expanding local tractor assembly would also support the development of Nigeria’s agricultural manufacturing sector and create jobs across the machinery value chain.

The target comes as the government seeks to modernise farming practices and increase agricultural output through greater use of mechanised equipment.

Stakeholders said limited access to tractors and other farm machinery remains one of the major challenges affecting large-scale agricultural production in Nigeria.

They noted that locally assembled tractors could be better suited to the needs of Nigerian farmers while reducing some of the costs associated with importing complete machinery.

Agricultural experts, however, stressed the importance of ensuring that the tractors are affordable and supported by reliable access to spare parts, maintenance services, financing, and trained operators.

They also called for investment in rural roads and other infrastructure needed to make mechanised farming more efficient.

The government said local assembly would help strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity while supporting farmers and other businesses involved in the agricultural value chain.

The initiative is expected to complement ongoing efforts to expand agricultural mechanisation, improve food production, create employment, and strengthen food security.

Stakeholders urged the government to maintain consistent policies and provide incentives that would encourage private-sector participation in local tractor manufacturing and assembly.