The Taraba State Government plans to distribute a second batch of 53 compact tractors and 173 small tractors to boost food production in the state.
Governor of Taraba, Agbu Kefas had in May unveiled plans to increase food production in the state by distributing tractors at subsidized rates to farmers in the 16 local government areas of the state.
On May 28, 2024, the first batch of tractors consisting of 20 compact cabrio tractors and 250 units of mini tractors were distributed to farmers
Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver disclosed this after a tractor distribution committee meeting held at the Governor Agbu Kefas Agricultural Mechanization Center in Jalingo.
He said all 20 containers loaded with tractors are expected to arrive in the state within a week.
The commissioner stated that the tractor distribution committee has started collecting application forms from cooperative groups for further distribution.
He commended the governor for subsidizing tractors as small tractors that cost ₦9m now cost ₦4.5m after an initial payment of ₦2.5m monthly for four years.
The commissioner further explained that the governor reduced the big tractors costing ₦70 to ₦35m with a down payment of ₦17.5m and a monthly payment of three hundred thousand naira for four years.
He also pointed out that despite the delays in the distribution of tractors, the right thing will be done because the government is ready to identify with genuine farmers to ensure food security.