From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government has taken delivery of modern agricultural machinery aimed at enhancing food security and boosting agricultural productivity across the state.
The development has drawn commendation from the Taraba State Tractor Hiring Unit (THU) and members of the public, who described the initiative as a major step toward modernising agriculture in the state.
The State Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Hon. Zainab Jalingo, confirmed the arrival of the equipment on Monday, stating that Governor Agbu Kefas had fulfilled another key campaign promise through the acquisition and deployment of multi-billion naira agricultural machinery.
According to her, the equipment includes tractors, combine harvesters, excavators, and other essential heavy-duty machines designed to support large-scale farming activities across the state.
She explained that the initiative is part of the governor’s commitment to transforming Taraba into a leading food production hub in Nigeria.
Jalingo said farmers would have subsidised access to modern farming tools for land clearing, precision tillage, irrigation support, and efficient harvesting.
She added that the programme is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, expand cultivable farmland, and improve agricultural output in the state, which is richly blessed with arable land.
“The mechanisation drive will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also help stabilise food prices, strengthen food security, and create economic opportunities for thousands of residents across the 16 local government areas of the state,” she said.
She noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Kefas’ “Moving Forward” agenda, which focuses on sustainable development, job creation, and inclusive economic growth.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of the Taraba State Tractor Hiring Unit (THU), Engr. Danladi Shatalis, praised Governor Kefas for remaining committed to his administration’s five-point development agenda.
He listed the policy thrusts as agriculture, education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure, noting that the sectors had continued to receive significant attention since the inception of the administration.
Shatalis appealed to the governor to allocate more tractors and agricultural machinery to the Tractor Hiring Unit to enable it meet the growing demands of farmers across the state.
According to him, approval of the request would reduce the large number of farmers seeking tractor services daily and further strengthen food security in Taraba State.
