Jigawa shifts mechanisation focus from tractor purchases to farmer access

Jigawa State is pursuing an agricultural mechanisation model focused on reliable farmer access to equipment, rather than on the number of tractors purchased, according to a Premium Times commentary by Tijjani Nagwamastse. The article says the approach is being developed under Governor Umar Namadi and includes mechanisation service centres, tractors and harvesters, agricultural extension workers, technical training and digital monitoring. Its central argument is that machinery will have limited value without fuel, trained operators, spare parts and maintenance.

A key part of the programme is the reported establishment of the Jigawa State Farm Mechanisation Service Company. The commentary says smallholder farmers do not necessarily need to own tractors. Instead, a managed fleet could provide land preparation, planting, spraying and harvesting services to multiple farmers during the farming season.

The article also reports that 60 mechanisation service centres are being established across the state’s 30 constituencies. Locating machinery near farming communities is described as important because planting and harvesting must take place within narrow seasonal windows. Delays can reduce yields or increase losses.

Thirty young Jigawa technicians have also been sent to China for training in agricultural mechanisation, according to the material. The training is presented as part of an effort to build the personnel needed to operate and maintain the equipment. However, the commentary cautions that mechanisation is only one element of agricultural development.

Farmers also require improved seeds, fertiliser, irrigation, extension services, crop protection, storage, transport and access to markets. It says the programme’s success should therefore be judged not only by machinery acquired, but by whether the equipment remains operational, affordable and available to farmers when required.