Gov Kefas Releases Another 1bn For Payments Of Gratuities • Says Tractors Will Get Directly To Farmers

 

 

Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has expressed commitment to ensure that the tractors reach the hands of dedicated farmers and said he has established transparent, and efficient distribution channels to guarantee that every farmer gets the implements.

 

 The governor was speaking at the unveiling of the first 250 out of the purchased 850 tractors and other farm implements from the Czech Republic. The event is the second in the three-day program designed to commemorate Governor Kefas's First Year in office.

. The Governor in his commitment to the revitalization of the agricultural sector and increased output, procured 850 tractors made up of 750 global mini tractors and 100 Cabrio Compact Tractors, accessories, tools and spare parts.

 

 He reiterated his earlier declaration that Taraba state can feed its populace and the entire country. He said, "Taraba state has no business with hunger. With our vast land and potential in crop and cattle, we are now prepared to become the national leader in food security"

 

Dr. Kefas said farmers remain the hope of the state and the nation as hunger is now a security threat to the nation. He said the machines are not just about technology but sowing the seeds of hope.

 

 

Earlier, the commissioner of Agriculture, Professor Nick Namessan, said the farmers would sign agreements on receiving the tractors. A peep at the agreement document showed farmers will produce guarantors that will serve as sureties. Payments will be on a 40 -60 % ratio with the government taking the larger share of the repayments. The beneficiaries will pay 40 percent of the cost, while the government will pick the remaining cost. By subsidizing the cost of the tractors, the government expects more farmers to take advantage of the scheme. Prof Nick said the government will assiduously monitor the repayments and maintenance of the tractors. 

 

Already a mobile maintenance vehicle is also available to ensure swift repairs when there are breakdowns. 

 

Speakers at the event expressed their gratitude and noted that investment in agriculture is the way to ameliorate the food crisis in the land.

 

In his goodwill message, former governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, extolled the virtues of Dr Kefas. He noted that the workshop he commissioned during his tenure was vandalized over the years. He said he was filled with pride that the current administration has restored the glory of the dilapidated structure.

 

He commended the governor for viewing government as a continuous phenomenon where uncompleted projects are revived and strengthened.

 

 

The implements which include global mini tractors and Cabrio Compact Tractors were officially commissioned at the Dr Agbu Kefas Agricultural Mechanization Project Headquarters located at the TSTC Warehouse in Jalingo, the state capital.