Cross River Boosts Agriculture and Job Creation with Subsidised Tractors

Cross River State has taken a major step toward modernising its agricultural sector with the launch of subsidised mini tractors for farmers’ cooperatives across the state. The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Bassey Otu under his People-First Agricultural Transformation Agenda, aims to accelerate mechanised farming, increase productivity, and create new employment opportunities in rural communities.

At the flag off ceremony in Calabar, Governor Otu highlighted the challenge of land preparation, which accounts for over 70% of cultivation costs, saying the tractors are fuel efficient, adaptable to different terrains, and multifunctional. “We are unlocking the full potential of our agricultural landscape so that our farmers can farm more, earn more, and feed more,” he stated.

The first phase will see 108 mini tractors deployed, with a total of 324 units planned statewide. Operated under a cooperative model, the tractors will be managed as community based service providers, ensuring broad access and responsible use.

The tractor programme complements other flagship agricultural initiatives in the state, including the Cassava Seed Multiplication Project, Project Grow for maize and soybean in partnership with Flour Mills Plc, and commercial sorghum production with Champion Breweries. Plans are also underway to establish new cocoa and coffee estates through public-private partnerships.

Mr. Femi Odeleye, CEO of Bespoke Concepts Limited, the supplier of the tractors, hailed the programme as planting seeds for a new agricultural revolution in Cross River State, and noted that a tractor assembly plant in Calabar could create over 2,000 jobs.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Rev. Ojikpong Bisong, likened Governor Otu’s drive to the legacy of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, emphasizing its transformative impact on farming communities and livelihoods.

With this mechanisation push, Cross River is not only boosting agricultural output but also empowering communities and generating jobs, cementing agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economic growth.