The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through its Department of Agricultural Mechanization has commenced the training of 300 selected youth as tractor operators and mechanics across the 19 northern states. The initiative is designed to promote mechanized farming and strengthen food production in Nigeria.
The training began on Monday at the Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Center (AMMOTRAC) in Misau, Bauchi State. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Markus Ogunbiyi, represented by Suleiman Majid, the Director of the Department of Agricultural Mechanization, highlighted the purpose of the exercise.
Ogunbiyi stated, “To achieve food security for our nation, we must move from subsistence farming to modern, efficient, and competitive agriculture. This transformation is impossible without mechanization. Tractors and their implements are the workhorses of this revolution. However, a tractor is only as good as the individual who operates it and the mechanic who maintains it.”
The Ministry noted that the programme will not only improve productivity but also create new employment opportunities for young Nigerians who are interested in agriculture and technical skills. It is expected that the trained operators and mechanics will play a crucial role in sustaining modern farming methods across northern Nigeria.
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