The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed 50 power tillers to cluster farmers in Kogi State, reinforcing efforts to advance mechanised agriculture, increase productivity, and enhance food security across Nigeria.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Lokoja, Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, said the initiative underscores the commission’s commitment to promoting commercial agriculture and reducing dependence on subsistence farming.
Represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Jimoh Haruna, Yelwa explained that the intervention followed consultations between the commission and Commissioners of Agriculture from 23 states in Nigeria on strategic approaches to strengthening agricultural development nationwide.
He emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and requires renewed investment in mechanisation to improve efficiency, output, and profitability.
“Our major objective in providing this equipment is to encourage commercial agriculture, which is capital-intensive and often beyond the reach of individual farmers.
“Mechanisation is critical to increasing productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector,”he said.
Yelwa added that the horsepower tillers would not only enhance food production but also generate employment opportunities and contribute to national food sufficiency.
He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the machines and ensure they are properly maintained and safeguarded against theft or misuse.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Timothy Ojomah, who chaired the event, commended N-HYPPADEC for the intervention, noting that the equipment would significantly improve productivity among cluster farmers.
Ojomah said the initiative complements the state government’s ongoing distribution of farm inputs, machinery, and tools to farmers through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He also commended N-HYPPADEC for its broader contributions to the development of the state, including erosion control projects, construction of classrooms, other educational support programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and improved transportation through the provision of speedboats for riverine communities and motorcycles for residents.
The Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr. Bello Ogrima, assured stakeholders that the machines would be closely monitored to ensure effective utilisation.
“Our extension agents will conduct regular monitoring to guarantee the proper and productive use of the power tillers,” he said.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for advancing agricultural development in the state.
Beneficiaries, including Aliyu Sanda from Kakanda in Kogi Local Government Area and Raji Nasiru, expressed gratitude to N-HYPPADEC, describing the intervention as timely and transformative for cluster farming operations in the state.
