By Ovat Lawrence
The long-anticipated procurement of 108 mini tractors by the administration led by Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has gained significant momentum. The Cross River State Government has finalized plans to acquire these tractors for smallholder farmers, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bespoke Design Concept Company.
During the signing ceremony, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, KSM, emphasized the government’s commitment to fully commercializing agriculture in the state. This initiative aims to boost food security, create employment opportunities for Cross Riverians, and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
Hon. Ebokpo highlighted that the main challenge in crop cultivation is pre-planting operations, such as land preparation and development. He stated, “With the high cost of labor for clearing land, large-scale farming becomes challenging. The procurement of these mini tractors will resolve 80% of the farmers’ issues.” He further explained that the 30-Horsepower mini tractors have low fuel consumption and are equipped with five special components that perform additional functions, including serving as power sources for smaller processing machines. “With five liters of PMS, a farmer can clear or develop 2-3 hectares of land,” he added.
Ebokpo also revealed that the tractors would be distributed across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state, with each local government receiving six units. These tractors will be assigned to clusters of farmers, with plans to secure more in the future.
Prince Femi Odeleye, Chief Executive Officer of Bespoke Design Concept, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, calling him a visionary leader committed to the welfare of farmers in the state. He acknowledged the Ministry’s role in ensuring a smooth process and pledged to adhere to the contract terms and ensure timely delivery.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr. Ekpe Bassey, encouraged farmers to view the Governor’s benevolence as a rare privilege. He also thanked the Commissioner for his proactive efforts in achieving this milestone within a short period in office.
In his goodwill message, the Acting Programme Manager of Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr. Bassey Emorgor, thanked Governor Otu for this people-oriented initiative. He advised farmers to use the equipment judiciously and urged contractors to deliver durable machinery.
Other notable attendees, including Mr. Denis Ikpali, State Coordinator of “Project Grow,” Mrs. Faith Emori, State Coordinator of USAID Feed the Future Extension and Advisory Activity, and Engr. Justina Ulafor, Director of Agricultural Mechanization, praised the administration for its efforts and pledged their support to achieve the government’s goals in the agricultural sector.
Peoplesmind
