Akwa Ibom To Launch Tractor Leasing Scheme For Farmers – Eno
Governor Inspects Agric Equipment Leasing Company
UMO Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting large-scale mechanised farming as part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity and food sufficiency in the state.
The governor made the pledge while inspecting the ongoing construction of an Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company located at Ekpri Nsukara in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, Eno expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the project site and commended the contractor for the pace of construction.
“There is a lot of improvement in the work done here to get the company kick-started in earnest. The contractor has assured that the project will soon be inaugurated, and I hold her to that,” he said.
Leasing Scheme to Support Farmers
The governor explained that the facility is designed to support farmers by providing access to modern farming equipment at subsidised rates.
According to him, the initiative aims to encourage farmers to embrace large-scale farming practices capable of boosting productivity and increasing their earnings.
“The farming season is here again, and we are putting everything in place for this project to function optimally,” he said.
Eno disclosed that more than 25 tractors equipped with tracking devices, along with two low-bed transport vehicles, have already been acquired for the programme.
The equipment, he said, will be leased to farmers across the state to help them expand their farming operations.
“These machines include ploughs, harvesters and other equipment that will enable farmers improve their productivity,” the governor added.
Push for Mechanised Agriculture
Governor Eno said the leasing scheme forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to modernise agriculture and move farmers away from traditional manual methods.
He noted that mechanised farming will enable farmers to cultivate larger areas of land, increase crop output and generate higher income.
The initiative, he added, is also expected to strengthen food security and contribute to economic growth in the state.
Tree Crop Programme to Begin Soon
The governor also provided an update on the state government’s tree-crop revolution programme, which focuses on expanding the cultivation of palm trees and other long-term crops.
He said preparations for the programme are already in place, including the establishment of nurseries and the enumeration of farmers who will participate in the initiative.
According to him, the distribution of palm seedlings will commence once the rainy season begins.
“The nursery for the palm tree seedlings has been prepared and farmers across the state have been enumerated. In the next two weeks, the seedlings will be distributed for planting,” he said.
Call for Farmers’ Participation
Eno urged farmers in the state to take advantage of the government’s agricultural initiatives to improve their productivity and livelihoods.
He emphasised that the success of the programmes depends largely on the active participation of farmers across the state.
Accompanying the governor during the inspection were the Commissioner for Agriculture, Offiong Offor; Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agric Business, Godwin Ukwat; and other government officials.
