The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy hand-powered tillers to all 36 states of the federation as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural mechanisation and improve productivity among smallholder farmers.

The initiative is aimed at providing affordable and accessible farming equipment to rural farmers, reducing dependence on manual labour, and enhancing efficiency in land preparation and cultivation.

Officials said the programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture, increase food production, and support farmers with appropriate technology suited to small-scale farming operations.

The hand-powered tillers are expected to help farmers cultivate larger areas of land within shorter periods, lower production costs, and improve overall agricultural output.

According to the government, the intervention will also contribute to food security, create opportunities for rural economic growth, and support efforts to transform the agricultural sector into a major driver of national development.

The deployment is expected to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers across the country, particularly in rural communities where access to mechanised farming equipment remains limited.