GOVERNOR Simon Lalong of Plateau has flagged off distribution of 400 tractors to local farmers under the “Farmers Ownership Scheme’’ of the State Government.

Speaking at the ceremony in Jos, on Wednesday, Lalong advised the beneficiaries not to resell the tractors but to put them into optimal use to boost food production in the state.

“The state government facilitated the acquisition of the tractors and President Muhammadu Buhari on March 9, inaugurated them for distribution to farmers.

“It took a while to distribute them because the implements like harrows, riggers etc, were yet to arrive.

“Now that they are here, we will commence the distribution without further delay,” he said.

The governor gave an assurance that every farmer who registered for the tractors would not be denied and implored them to be patient, as they would all get their tractors.

Speaking at the event, Dr Hosea Finangwai, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture reassured of government commitment towards the development of agriculture in the state.

Finangwai said that the distribution of the tractors would be in phases.

Mr Philp Azi, the state’s Caretaker Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) who received a key of one of the tractors on behalf of the association, urged farmers to take advantage of the gesture by boosting food production in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tractors were procured by the state government in partnership with the local government councils and farmers association to encourage tractor ownership by farmers. (NAN)

– Jun 6, 2018 @ 19:49 GMT |