The Cross River State Government has intensified its drive to revolutionise the agricultural sector with the distribution of subsidised mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the state. The initiative, launched by Governor Bassey Edet Otu under the People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda, is designed to promote mechanised farming and enhance food security.
Flagging off the distribution in Calabar, Governor Otu announced that 108 mini tractors are being deployed in the first phase of the programme, with a total of 324 tractors to be distributed over the next three years. Each tractor comes fully equipped with a plough, ridger, harrow, planter, and a one-ton trailer bucket, and is registered, insured, and fitted with a tracking device to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.
The governor emphasised that the initiative aims to drastically reduce the high cost and labour intensity of land preparation a process that accounts for over 70 per cent of total cultivation costs while boosting productivity and farm yields across the state.
“We are determined to empower our farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to compete globally. Mechanisation will not only make farming easier but also more profitable,” Otu stated.
The government has also commenced training sessions for beneficiaries on both the theoretical and practical aspects of tractor operation and maintenance. The scheme is targeted at smallholder farmers and cooperative societies, with a special focus on women and youth inclusion.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, noted that the initiative aligns with the state’s long-term goal of achieving agricultural self-sufficiency and diversifying its economy beyond oil. He added that the tractors will support major value chains such as cassava, maize, soybean, sorghum, cocoa, and coffee.
Farmers across the state have commended the move, describing it as a timely intervention that will help reduce manual labour, increase efficiency, and stimulate rural development.
