In a significant step toward transforming the agricultural landscape of Enugu State, the government has taken delivery of 100 brand new tractors as part of its initiative to mechanise farming and achieve food sufficiency.
The delivery marks the first phase of the 1,000 tractors ordered by Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, with another batch of 100 expected in the coming weeks. The remaining 800 tractors will be assembled locally at the newly established Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre by ODK Group, a Danish firm.
Addressing journalists during an inspection of the tractors in Enugu, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Mr. Patrick Ubru, said the move was in line with Governor Mbah’s manifesto to make agriculture the cornerstone of the state’s economic development, targeting a $30 billion GDP by 2031.
“This is a fulfilment of Governor Mbah’s promise to mechanise agriculture in Enugu and reposition the sector to make the state Nigeria’s food basket,” Ubru said.
The commissioner revealed that the tractors, imported from Denmark, are equipped with 75-horsepower engines, with an option to upgrade to 90 horsepower for rugged terrains. The machines have already been tested at the Akpawfu farm estate in Nkanu East LGA.
He added that the Assembly Plant, with a daily production capacity of 10 tractors, will also house a tractor operator training unit and a maintenance service centre, projected to create 3,600 jobs.
Ubru emphasized that the tractors would be made accessible to farmers, especially through the 260 farm estates being established across the state. Each estate will accommodate about 200 farmers, providing them with tractors, improved seedlings, and extension services—amounting to 52,000 direct jobs.
“These estates will be one-stop-shops for smallholder farmers, providing mechanised services, tractor rentals, extension support, and access to modern inputs,” he explained.
He assured that modalities were being finalized to enable farmers to access the tractors ahead of the next farming season, which begins in two weeks.
Also speaking, Chief Romanus Anayo Eze, Chairman of the All Farmers Association in Enugu, hailed the development as unprecedented, praising Governor Mbah for fulfilling his campaign promise.
“We’ve never seen anything like this in Enugu. For years, farmers pleaded for tractors, and now we’re witnessing real change. This time, we’re farming with new machines that won’t break down,” Chief Eze said.
“With this effort, we will achieve food sufficiency, create jobs, and reposition agriculture as a profitable venture for our youths.”
The development has sparked excitement among farmers and stakeholders across the state, who now see a new dawn for agriculture in Enugu
