By George George Idowu
In a resolute commitment to bolster President Tinubu’s agricultural policy, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has successfully brokered a deal with renowned equipment manufacturer John Deere.
The agreement entails the procurement of agricultural equipment exceeding a substantial value of $650 million, as revealed in a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Friday.
The comprehensive range of farm equipment acquired comprises 600 high-capacity tractors ranging from 100 to 430 horsepower, along with 200 high-capacity combine harvesters, 200 bulldozers, 200 excavators, and various other implements featuring cutting-edge technology in planters, sprayers, and fertilizer spreaders.
These equipment acquisitions are earmarked for deployment in land development and the preparation of an expansive 1 million hectares across the state.
The designated land spans approximately 100 different farm estates, each averaging an impressive 10,000 hectares. This strategic initiative supplements the recent acquisition of 300 tractors, scheduled for delivery later this month.
Bologi Ibrahim emphasized that this evolving strategy is poised to yield an annual food production output of approximately 10 million tons.
Governor Bago expressed unwavering confidence in the collaborative partnership with John Deere, a distinguished equipment manufacturer headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, USA, asserting that it will undoubtedly realize the envisioned agricultural goals.
This substantial investment underscores Niger State’s dedication to advancing its agricultural sector and contributing significantly to the nation’s food security.