Taraba State Government to Distribute more Tractors

The Taraba State Government plans to distribute a second batch of 53 compact tractors and 173 small tractors to enhance food production in the state.

In May, Governor Agbu Kefas announced plans to boost food production by providing subsidized tractors to farmers across the state’s 16 local government areas.

On May 28, 2024, the first batch, including 20 compact cabrio tractors and 250 mini tractors, was distributed to farmers.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Oliver, shared this information following a tractor distribution committee meeting at the Governor Agbu Kefas Agricultural Mechanization Center in Jalingo. He mentioned that all 20 containers of tractors are expected to arrive in the state within a week.

The commissioner also noted that the committee has begun collecting application forms from cooperative groups for further distribution.

He praised the governor for the subsidies, stating that small tractors now cost ₦4.5m instead of ₦9m, with an initial payment of ₦2.5m and subsequent monthly payments over four years. Large tractors, originally costing ₦70m, are now ₦35m with a down payment of ₦17.5m and monthly payments of ₦300,000 over four years.

Despite distribution delays, the commissioner assured that the government is committed to supporting genuine farmers to ensure food security.