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| Photo Credit: Cross River State News Website |
The Cross River State Government has taken another bold step towards strengthening agriculture with the training of tractor operators across the state.
The capacity-building programme, which lasted four days, brought together participants from various farmers’ cooperatives, equipping them with practical and technical knowledge on tractor operation, maintenance, and basic repairs.
The training was held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra Local Government Area and is part of the state’s broader push to deepen mechanised farming and increase food production.
Representing the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry described the initiative as a strategic move to sustain the state’s agricultural transformation drive, especially following the rollout of over 100 mini tractors to farming communities.
According to officials, the programme was designed to close existing skill gaps among tractor operators and ensure that beneficiaries can effectively manage and maintain the equipment for optimal performance on farms.
The Director of Mechanisation and Irrigation noted that proper handling of the machines will not only extend their lifespan but also improve efficiency during the farming season, ultimately leading to higher yields.
Participants at the training expressed optimism about the impact of the initiative. One of them described mechanisation as a “game changer,” noting that it will reduce the stress of manual land preparation while increasing productivity and profitability for farmers.
The training was facilitated by technical experts from the company that supplied the tractors, who provided hands-on demonstrations to ensure operators gained real-life experience.
Meanwhile, the state government confirmed that additional tractors have arrived, with plans underway to complete coupling and distribute them to beneficiaries across communities.
This initiative is part of Cross River’s ongoing commitment to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, improve food security, and empower rural farmers through modern farming techniques.
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