Stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector have emphasised the importance of accurate data in realising the full potential of agricultural mechanisation.

This was the central theme of a workshop on Mechanisation in Nigeria, organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Heifer International Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

Tobi Lekan, country director of Heifer International Nigeria, noted that data is critical in optimising tractor utilisation and maintenance.

“By embracing a data-driven approach, we can maximise the impact of each tractor and ensure the success of Nigeria’s mechanisation journey,” he said.

Mr Lekan said the workshop aimed to discuss strategies for supporting the ownership, deployment, adoption, and use of tractors to make them sustainable.

He emphasised that increasing the penetration rate of tractors in Nigeria was crucial, as the country currently had one of the lowest rates in Africa.

Mohamed Ibrahim, NADF executive secretary, highlighted the government’s commitment to engaging youths as drivers of agricultural transformation.

Cornelius Adebayo, executive secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, stated that the government was making significant efforts to promote mechanisation through its agencies.

According to Mr Adebayo, the government is working on clusterisation to fast-track mechanisation.

Nneka Enwonwu, Hello Tractor’s country managing director, emphasised the crucial role of innovative financing ineffective mechanisation.

Ms Enwonwu stressed that achieving food security requires mechanising smallholder farmers.

(NAN)