By Onwa Ekor, Calabar
In a bid to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and encourage large-scale cultivation for improved food security, the Cross River Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development has secured Executive Council approval for the procurement of 108 mini-medium tractors.
These tractors, locally fabricated to suit the state’s unique agricultural landscape, will be distributed at a subsidized leasing rate as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s broader commitment to mechanizing agriculture and empowering smallholder farmers across the state.
To ensure a transparent and equitable distribution process, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, inaugurated a Tractor Distribution Committee in his office, charging members to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, fairness, and strict adherence to the state’s agricultural goals.
He emphasized that the distribution exercise must remain politically neutral to ensure that the tractors reach genuine farmers’ cooperatives for effective utilization.
Speaking at the event, Ebokpo noted that the procurement of the tractors followed a thorough evaluation of the state’s agricultural challenges, considering the economic realities, terrain, and the best approach to mechanization for smallholder farmers.
He stated that the initiative is designed to assist smallholder farmers in boosting production, ultimately contributing to the state’s food security agenda.
“The tractors are highly fuel-efficient, requiring a maximum of 11 liters of diesel to complete the preparation of one hectare of farmland, intimating that each 30-horse power tractor comes equipped with a ridger, seed planter, plough, harrow and a 1- ton trailer bucket making them a cost- effective solution for farmers.
Additionally, Ebokpo said, “the tractors have the capacity to generate electricity to power grinding machines, irrigation pumps and dryers, further enhancing their utility beyond land preparation.”
The Commissioner also presented a comprehensive distribution framework to the committee, which was approved by Governor Bassey Otu in February 2025.
He stated that the framework was designed to ensure fairness, transparency and efficiency in the distribution process, with the first phase involving the allocation of 72 tractors; expected to arrive next week and the second phase to commence within the 2025 fiscal year.
A key aspect of the framework outlines the eligibility criteria for farmers’ cooperatives, which must be registered with the Department of Cooperatives, have a minimum of 10 members, and be domiciled in the area where farm operations will take place.
To ensure accountability, the framework incorporates monitoring mechanisms, including digital trackers, reporting templates, and training sessions conducted by manufacturers on tractor operations, maintenance, and repairs.
Also, a structured repayment plan has also been put in place to prevent defaults, with penalties for non-compliance.
Beyond operational training, the initiative is expected to create business opportunities for youths in the state by equipping them with skills in tractor repairs and maintenance.
The committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Ntufam Ekpe Bassey, with the State Project Director of Project Grow, Mr. Denis Ikpali, as co-chairman, comprises members drawn from relevant departments, including Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Extension Services, Procurement, Finance and Supply, Public-Private and Development Partnership, Agricultural Mechanization, and the Department of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Responding, co-Chairman Mr. Denis Ikpali, assured that the committee would execute its mandate diligently and in line with the approved framework.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would enhance mechanized farming and increase food production in the state.
Farmers’ cooperatives welcomed the initiative with optimism as Paul Ihwo, President of Cross River Cooperative stakeholders commended the government’s efforts, stating that access to these tractors would reduce manual labor, boost productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Cross River State.
With the committee now in place, distribution is set to commence soon, marking another step in the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and ensuring food security in Cross River.
