The Cross River State Government has completed a four-day training programme for tractor operators as part of efforts to strengthen mechanised farming and boost food production.
The training, which held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Obubra Local Government Area, brought together operators drawn from various farmers’ cooperatives across the state.
Flagging off the programme on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Eld. Dr. Odey Ikongah, described the initiative as a critical step in consolidating the state’s mechanisation drive.
According to him, the exercise followed the procurement of 108 mini tractors under the first phase of the government’s agricultural mechanisation scheme.
Ikongah said, “This training is designed to enhance the technical competence of operators from beneficiary cooperatives. It will ensure that the tractors are efficiently managed and properly maintained for optimal performance.”
He urged participants to take the exercise seriously and apply the knowledge acquired in their respective communities, stressing that improved productivity depends on the proper handling of equipment.
Also speaking, the Director of Mechanisation and Irrigation, Engr. Mrs. Justina John Ulafor, said the programme was organised in response to feedback from earlier engagements with beneficiaries.
She noted that skill gaps observed during the deployment of the tractors informed the need for the training.
Ulafor said, “The objective is to ensure that operators can maximise the use of these tractors, particularly during the current farming season, and ultimately improve agricultural productivity across the state.”
One of the participants, Mr. Gabriel Ugbo of the Bechebe Wheat Cooperative in Obanlikwu Local Government Area, commended the government for the initiative.
He described the programme as timely, noting that mechanisation would significantly reduce the burden of manual land preparation while improving yields and profitability.
The training was facilitated by the manufacturers of the tractors, Bespoke Design Concept Limited, led by Mr. Ikpeme Ikpeme and his technical team, who provided hands-on demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the ministry confirmed the arrival of the second batch of tractors under the first phase of the 108-unit acquisition scheme, adding that coupling is ongoing while distribution modalities are being finalised.
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