Gov Otu Flags Off Tractor Distribution, Launches Agricultural Mechanization in Cross River
By Ebi COLLINS
Cross River State’s journey toward full agricultural mechanization advanced on Friday as Governor Bassey Otu launched the distribution of subsidized mini tractors to farmers’ cooperatives across the state, a major step under his People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
Speaking at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters in Calabar, Governor Otu said the initiative follows extensive consultations and targets the biggest production challenge of land preparation, which accounts for over 70% of cultivation costs.
“When we assumed office, we made a firm commitment to make agriculture the backbone of our development strategy,” Otu stated. “This programme directly tackles the challenge of land preparation to enhance productivity and reduce labour.”
He disclosed that 108 mini tractors are being distributed in the first phase, with a target of 324 within three years. The tractors, he explained, are allocated through a cooperative model to promote shared ownership, community accountability, and wider access to mechanization at the grassroots.
“This intervention ensures that our farmers can farm more, earn more, and feed more,” the Governor said, adding that the programme complements other initiatives such as cassava seed multiplication, maize and soybean cultivation with Flour Mills Plc, and pilot sorghum production with Champion Breweries.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson A. Ebokpo, described the launch as “a big leap in agricultural transformation,” noting that each tractor comes with a plough, ridger, harrow, planter, and trailer bucket: all fully registered, insured, and fitted with tracking devices for accountability.
He revealed that beneficiaries underwent training in tractor operation and management to ensure sustainability, and applauded the First Lady, Bishop (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for promoting women’s participation in the scheme.
Hon. Bette Obi, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, hailed the gesture as unprecedented, describing the Governor as “God-sent to liberate Cross River farmers” and urging beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity.
From the private sector, Mr. Femi Odeleye, CEO of Bespoke Concepts Ltd, suppliers of the tractors, lauded the initiative as “the planting of seeds for a new agricultural revolution.” He assured of after-sales support, operator training, and spare-parts availability, while disclosing plans to establish a tractor assembly plant in Calabar that could create over 2,000 jobs.
In his goodwill message, Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Cross River Chapter, likened Governor Otu’s agricultural strides to those of the late Dr. Michael Okpara of Eastern Nigeria, saying, “No other governor in Nigeria is doing what you are doing for farmers today.”
Comrade Philomena Bassey Eyo, Leader of Women in Agriculture, thanked the Governor and First Lady for empowering rural women, noting that the initiative has transitioned them from subsistence to mechanized farming.
“Your Excellency, we stand with you. These tractors are more than machines; they are tools of transformation for women across Cross River,” she affirmed.
The event drew farmers’ groups, traditional rulers, legislators, and private-sector stakeholders, all united in praise of the Governor’s commitment to making agriculture the foundation of the state’s economy.
