The Yobe State Government has intensified efforts to modernize agriculture with the commencement of the 2026 Rainy Season Tractor Hiring Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting food production and improving farmers’ access to mechanized farming services.
Flagging off the programme, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Ali Mustapha Goniri, stated that the initiative reflects Governor Mai Mala Buni’s unwavering commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector as a foundation for economic growth.
He noted that agriculture remains a priority under the Buni administration, which has consistently invested in programmes designed to increase productivity, enhance food security, and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
According to the commissioner, the state government has recorded remarkable achievements through its agricultural transformation agenda, including large-scale distribution of farm inputs and equipment, formulation of a comprehensive agricultural policy, and implementation of a strategic development plan to guide sectoral growth.
Goniri highlighted that thousands of farmers across Yobe State have benefited from government interventions worth billions of naira, enabling them to expand cultivation and improve yields.
To further support farmers, the government acquired 100 Zoomlion tractors to ensure timely land preparation and wider access to mechanized farming services across the state.
In a move widely welcomed by farmers, Governor Mai Mala Buni approved a 50 percent reduction in tractor hiring charges, bringing the cost down from N100,000 to N50,000 per day. The subsidy is expected to ease production expenses and encourage greater participation in farming activities during the 2026 wet season.
The commissioner described the gesture as a demonstration of the governor’s determination to reduce the burden on farmers while accelerating the state’s quest for agricultural self-sufficiency.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing farmer-friendly policies and programmes that will drive agricultural expansion, generate employment, and contribute to the overall prosperity of Yobe State.
The launch of the tractor hiring programme marks another significant milestone in Yobe’s agricultural development journey, reinforcing the state’s position as a leading advocate of modern and sustainable farming practices.
