Enugu leases 67 tractors to farmers to boost mechanised farming

Enugu State Government is enhancing agricultural output by leasing 67 tractors to local farmers at subsidized rates, aiming to promote mechanised farming. The initiative makes modern farming equipment more accessible and affordable, a significant step towards modernizing the state's agricultural sector.

“

From the records we have here, about 67 tractors have been leased. It is on lease because you pay a token; it is essentially subsidised access to these tractors.

Farmers can now lease these tractors for N70,000 daily, a stark contrast to the typical commercial rate of approximately N150,000. This substantial subsidy is part of a broader government strategy to support farmers and increase food production within the state. The lease duration is flexible, catering to individual farmer needs.

To ensure efficient operation and maintenance, the tractors are equipped with tracking devices for monitoring usage. Furthermore, the Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant, established by the state government, will handle all maintenance, eliminating delays associated with importing spare parts. This local support system ensures tractors remain operational with minimal downtime.

“

If a tractor develops a fault, you just call the company and they will pick it up, fix it and return it to work.

The state's ambition extends to acquiring a total of 1,000 tractors. The Nortra Assembly Plant is pivotal to this goal, as future tractors will be assembled locally from knocked-down components. This local assembly is projected to create around 3,500 direct jobs, with additional indirect employment opportunities, thereby boosting the local economy and reducing youth emigration.

“

We are anticipating that about 3,500 jobs will be created in the first instance at the plant. There are also indirect jobs that will be created.