The Federal Government has rolled out a specialised training programme for 300 tractor operators and mechanics from 19 northern states as part of efforts to modernise agriculture through mechanisation.
The programme was flagged off on Monday at the Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery Operators Training Centre (AMMOTRAC) in Misau, Bauchi State.
In his remarks, Dr. Markus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said mechanisation remained central to the nation’s drive for food sufficiency and economic stability.
“To move agriculture from small-scale to large-scale productivity, the sector must adopt modern technology and embrace efficient mechanisation,” he said.
Ogunbiyi, represented by Mr. Ibrahim Majeed, Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Mechanisation, noted that the initiative was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to increase productivity, empower youth, and promote sustainable farming systems.
He explained that the training would not only build technical knowledge but also equip participants with practical skills needed to manage and maintain tractors effectively.
Chairman of Misau Local Government, Mr. Salisu Dendo, praised the government for revitalising AMMOTRAC and stressed that the initiative would help boost food supply while addressing insecurity linked to unemployment.
He also called for the provision of additional modern equipment to strengthen the centre’s capacity.
According to him, the training is expected to cut down machinery breakdowns during peak farming periods, lower production expenses, and raise overall yields.
Mr. Hamisu Kwami, Head of AMMOTRAC, added that the centre is mandated to provide training for both public and private tractor operators and mechanics across the northern states.