C’River Strengthens Tractor Scheme Sustainability, Engages Beneficiaries, Manufacturers
By Missang Akpet
The Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development has convened an interactive stakeholders’ session with manufacturers, technicians, and beneficiaries of the state’s Tractor Acquisition Scheme to strengthen maintenance culture and ensure long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The meeting comes months after the distribution of 54 tractors to farmers and cooperatives across the state in October 2025, a landmark intervention aimed at boosting mechanized farming.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Johnson Ebokpo Jr., represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Eld. Ayi Ayi, reiterated that the scheme was designed to transition Cross River’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to full-scale commercial agriculture.
He stressed that the success of the programme depends largely on strong collaboration between beneficiaries and technical partners, particularly in the areas of maintenance, monitoring, and responsible utilization.
“Our goal is not just distribution, but sustainability. We must work together to create a maintenance framework that guarantees the longevity and productivity of these tractors,” he said.
In her overview, the Director of Mechanisation, Engr. Mrs. Justina Ulafor, stressed that food security cannot be achieved without agricultural mechanisation. “We cannot achieve food security without agri-mechanisation. When you farm manually and harvest just three or four bags of rice, you remain at subsistence level. Mechanisation enables farmers to expand hectares and boost productivity,” she said, describing the initiative as a practical response to low-output farming.
She explained that the tractors were strategically distributed through cooperatives to ensure that at least six cooperatives per local government area benefit, thereby widening access to mechanised farming services. To guarantee seamless operations, she disclosed that digital booking platforms have been introduced, allowing farmers to schedule tractor services and make direct payments without intermediaries.
Engr. Ulafor further assured beneficiaries of prompt technical support and active collaboration with manufacturers to address any operational challenges. “Whatever the challenge, today you tell us. The manufacturer is here. We are here to solve bottlenecks and ensure beneficiaries, government and stakeholders all smile,” she added.
A representative of Bespoke Tractors, manufacturers of the distributed equipment, Mr. Ikpeme Ikpeme, disclosed that the tractors are fitted with tracking devices that restrict their movement to designated locations within the state. He assured beneficiaries of continuous mechanical support and prompt servicing to ensure optimal performance.
Beneficiaries at the forum welcomed the engagement. Mr. Aya Aya, Chairman of Great Multipurpose Cooperative, acknowledged some operational challenges, noting that the farming season affected immediate utilization of the equipment. He appealed for a review of the three-month repayment moratorium scheduled to commence in March.
He, however, commended the state government for creating the platform for dialogue, describing the stakeholders’ forum as timely and reassuring.
