Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has launched the distribution of subsidised mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives as part of efforts to promote mechanised farming and boost agribusiness growth across the state.
The initiative, under the People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda, aims to help rural farmers transition from manual to mechanised farming, cut labour costs, and improve productivity.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters in Calabar, Governor Otu said agriculture remains central to the state’s development strategy.
“When we assumed office, we made a firm commitment to make agriculture the backbone of our development strategy,” he said. “From engagements with farmers, one challenge stood out land preparation, which accounts for over 70 percent of cultivation costs. This programme directly addresses that.”
The governor said the mini tractors are fuel-efficient, terrain-adaptable, and designed to make land preparation easier. About 108 units are being deployed in the first phase, while a total of 324 tractors will be distributed across the state.
He explained that the tractors will be managed under a cooperative model, allowing beneficiary groups to serve as community-based service providers ensuring shared ownership and wider access to mechanisation.
“We are unlocking the full potential of our agricultural landscape so that our farmers can farm more, earn more, and feed more,” Otu stated.
The governor also highlighted other ongoing agricultural initiatives, including the Cassava Seed Multiplication Project, the Project Grow maize and soybean scheme with Flour Mills Plc, and the pilot of commercial sorghum production with Champion Breweries.
Mr. Femi Odeleye, CEO of Bespoke Concepts Limited, whose company supplied the tractors, praised the move as “the planting of seeds for a new agricultural revolution in Cross River.” He added that a tractor assembly plant planned for Calabar could create over 2,000 jobs.
Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River Chapter, Rev. Ojikpong Bisong, commended the initiative, comparing Governor Otu’s agricultural vision to that of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. Michael Okpara.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting cooperatives and small agribusinesses through mechanisation, value-chain development, and inclusive growth.
