By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed 50 power tiller machines to cluster farmers in Kogi State as part of efforts to boost mechanised farming, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen food security in the country.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony on Thursday in Lokoja, the Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, said the intervention was aimed at promoting commercial agriculture and reducing reliance on subsistence farming.
Yelwa, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Jimoh Haruna Gabi, explained that the initiative followed deliberations between the commission and Commissioners of Agriculture from 23 states on ways to support agricultural development.
According to him, agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and must be revitalised through mechanisation to improve output and profitability.
“Our major target in providing this equipment is to encourage commercial agriculture, as it is capital intensive for individual farmers to bear the cost of mechanised systems,” he said.
He added that the initiative would not only increase agricultural production but also create employment opportunities and improve food sufficiency nationwide.
The Managing Director urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the 13-horsepower tillers and ensure they are properly safeguarded against theft and misuse.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, who chaired the occasion, commended N-HYPPADEC for the gesture, noting that the machines would significantly enhance productivity among cluster farmers.
Ojomah said the intervention would complement the state government’s ongoing efforts in distributing farm inputs, agricultural machinery, and tools to farmers through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He highlighted the commission’s impact across various sectors in the state, including erosion control projects, classroom construction, educational support programmes, capacity building initiatives, and improved transportation through the provision of speedboats for riverine communities and motorcycles for residents.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP), Dr. Bello Ogrima, assured that the tillers would be properly monitored to ensure effective utilisation.
“My extension agents will go round to monitor the judicious use of the power tillers,” he said, while commending Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his strides in advancing the agricultural sector.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Aliyu Sanda from Kakanda in Lokoja Local Government Area and Raji Nasiru, expressed appreciation to N-HYPPADEC for the intervention, noting that the power tillers would greatly support cluster farming activities and improve their yields.
The distribution marks another step in efforts to promote mechanised agriculture and strengthen food production capacity in Kogi State and beyond.
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