The federal ministry of agriculture and food security, on Monday, trained over 300 tractor operators and mechanics on mechanised farming to address food shortage in the country.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, at the training which took place at Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Centre (AMMOTRAC), Ilado-Elemo, Akure, said that the Renewed Hope Initiative was aimed at boosting food security.

Mr Kyari, represented by the South-West regional head of the ministry, Temitope Alao, said the beneficiaries were invited across the South-West, South-South and South-East states of the country.

He said the southern part of the country, with 70 million hectares of arable land and favourable climate conditions, could not only feed the nation, but also contribute significantly to global food security.

The minister said that realisation of the potential hinged on the ability to modernise farming activities and embrace mechanisation.

Mr Kyari said that productivity in the sector remained constrained due to continued traditional farming practices.

According to him, an average Nigerian farmer cultivates less than one and a half hectares of land using traditional farming tools.

“Only a mechanised system can drive agricultural success in developed nations, hence the need for stakeholders in the country to support the federal government to enhance mechanisation.

“Youths in the country should embrace modern farming as a vocation, because they are the architects of modern farming in the country.

“Beneficiaries should also appreciate the training which will transform the sector in the country,” he said.

Also, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Marcus Ogunjobi, said the initiative was a commitment to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ogunjobi stated that to ensure food security in the country, there was a need to move from subsistence farming to modern, efficient, and competitive agriculture.

The permanent secretary said the transmission was impossible without mechanisation because tractors and their implements were the workhorses of the revolution.

“This is why this training is not just another programme; it is a strategic investment in human capacity, which is the most critical factor for success.

“This comprehensive manual you have before you has been meticulously designed to equip you with more than just basic skills.

“It will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience required to operate and maintain tractors safely, efficiently, and profitably,” he said.

Mr Ogunjobi stated that the goals of the training aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the agricultural sector to enhance productivity, create jobs for the teeming youths, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

(NAN)