The federal government has started a nationwide programme to train 4,000 tractor operators as part of its plan to expand mechanised agriculture, raise farm productivity and create skilled employment.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is coordinating the initiative through the National Agricultural Development Fund in partnership with AGCOMS International Trading Limited and the Industrial Training Fund. The trainees will support the operation and maintenance of 2,000 tractors being deployed under the government’s mechanisation programme.

Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari described the tractors as a major national investment, saying trained operators were necessary to convert the equipment into higher agricultural output. The first group of 250 participants began a two week residential course at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State.

The curriculum covers equipment operation, safety, preventive maintenance, hydraulics, troubleshooting, field applications and machinery management. Successful participants will receive joint certification from AGCOMS, ITF and NADF.

Officials said the programme would reduce dependence on manual farming, improve equipment durability, stimulate rural economic activity and build a new generation of technical professionals for commercial agriculture.