Food Security: FG Launches Zonal Agri-Mechanization Hubs

The central government has revealed intentions to create a mechanization service center in every one of Nigeria's six geo-political regi...

The central government has revealed intentions to create a mechanization service center in every one of Nigeria's six geo-political regions as part of initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and improving agricultural output throughout the nation.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced this on Tuesday during the 25th International Conference and 45th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, which took place at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Idofian, Kwara State.

Kyari stated that the suggested mechanization service centers will act as regional hubs for equipment training, maintenance, and collaboration, with the goal of making modern agricultural machinery available, operational, and well-maintained across the country.

He mentioned that the initiative is a component of the Tinubu administration's renewed effort to modernize the agricultural sector and equip farmers, especially young people and women, with technology-based tools to boost efficiency.

To promote regional equity and effective operations, a single mechanization service center will be set up initially in each of Nigeria's six geopolitical regions.

"These centers will offer instruction, upkeep, and organizational support to ensure the efficient operation of farming equipment throughout the nation," he stated.

The Minister also revealed that the government has acquired 2,000 tractors along with more than 9,000 additional farming tools and spare parts to increase availability of mechanical equipment in agricultural areas.

He pointed out that within the framework of the Renewed Mechanisation Programme included in the Agricultural Transformation and Innovation Plan, the government is establishing a countrywide system that combines tractors, power tillers, planters, harvesters, and threshers into a single available platform.

Kyari highlighted that, in addition to purchasing, the government's attention is directed towards standardization, domestic assembly, and quality control, with NCAM acting as the primary organization responsible for verifying and validating equipment used across the country.

"Our farmers merit locally created technologies that are crafted with a thorough comprehension of our soils, crops, and the challenges faced by small-scale farming," he further stated.

Emphasizing the value of teamwork, the minister praised the continuous cooperation between NCAM and Tanta Motors from Egypt, which has led to the enhanced design of the yam mound-making machine now enhanced to perform two roles as both a mound and a furrow maker.

He mentioned that the collaboration would expand to other locally created machines, such as cassava planters, mechanical weeders, and multi-crop threshers, aiming to encourage uniformity and commercialization through a shared NCAM brand initiative.

In his speech, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State referred to agricultural mechanization as the "foundation of food security and long-term national growth," calling on both federal and state governments to focus on providing modern equipment to small-scale farmers.

Previously, Engr. Prof. Joshua Olaoye, the National Chairman of NIAE, stated that the conference represents a "time for reflection, creativity, and renewed dedication" to reshaping Nigeria's agricultural sector using locally developed technologies.

He pointed out that the 50th anniversary of the Organization marks a change from theoretical studies to applied engineering approaches aimed at improving the low level of mechanization in Nigerian farming.

"We are presenting locally created technologies such as tractors, planters, harvesters, and dryers to illustrate our preparedness to transition from paper-based solutions to real-world innovations that support farmers and enhance efficiency," he stated.

For more than fifty years, NIAE has led the way in advancing mechanized farming, encouraging collaborations among scientists, manufacturers, and governmental bodies to encourage progress and eco-friendly practices within the industry.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).