The Bank of Agriculture is set to partner with the 10th House of Representatives to drive large-scale mechanisation of arable land across the 360 federal constituencies in the country.
Managing Director of the bank, Ayo Sotinriade, disclosed this while addressing National Assembly correspondents after making a presentation during plenary in Abuja.
Sotinriade explained that the initiative is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs, reducing hunger, and addressing lingering security challenges across the country.
He said the proposed partnership, if fully implemented, would mark a major shift from subsistence farming to commercial-scale agriculture, positioning Nigeria as a net exporter of food.
The managing director further stated that under the proposed mechanised farming policy, each lawmaker would contribute 60 percent of the cost of a tractor to be stationed within the constituency for use by local farmers.
According to him, a single tractor can mechanise a minimum of five hectares per hour and up to 600 hectares annually, adding that 2,000 tractors nationwide could cover about 1.2 million hectares of farmland yearly.
“Once a member acquires the tractor, they will also provide secured land where we will establish a farming hub, alongside a tractor booking system to ensure efficient usage,” he said.
The BOA Boss further described the scheme as one of the most effective ways to reach grassroots farmers across the country, ensuring that modern farming tools and services are accessible at the community level.
According to him, the proposed hubs will serve as integrated agricultural service centres, offering farmers access to essential inputs, irrigation systems, produce aggregation, financial services, and extension support.
He said the irrigation component of the programme would however avail farmers the opportunity to cultivate all year round, with the potential for at least three farming cycles annually.
“If this is achieved, it will go a long way in lifting people out of multidimensional poverty, improving livelihoods, and reducing insecurity driven by unemployment and low incomes,” he said.
The BoA boss also noted that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), particularly in states such as Borno and Benue, stand to benefit significantly from the programme, as it could provide a pathway to economic reintegration and self-reliance.
COV/TSIBIRI
