The Federal Government has unveiled a new strategy aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the nationwide deployment of hand-powered tillers to smallholder farmers across the 36 states of the federation. The initiative is designed to strengthen agricultural mechanisation at the grassroots, improve farm productivity, reduce dependence on traditional farming methods and ultimately enhance the country’s food security.

The latest intervention forms part of the government’s broader agricultural reform agenda, which seeks to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields and make farming more efficient for millions of Nigerians who continue to rely on basic manual tools such as hoes and cutlasses. By introducing affordable and practical mechanised equipment suited to the realities of rural communities, the government hopes to bridge the technology gap that has long limited agricultural output among small-scale farmers.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the celebration marking the 90th birthday of renowned agricultural engineer and scholar, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Makanjuola. The event, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE), was held at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State and brought together government officials, academics, agricultural experts and industry stakeholders to honour one of Nigeria’s foremost pioneers in agricultural engineering.

Speaking at the occasion, Kyari explained that the planned deployment of hand-powered tillers represents the next phase of the Federal Government’s mechanisation programme, following the earlier distribution of 2,000 tractors across the country in February 2026. According to him, the tractors were deployed to support the cultivation of approximately 1.5 million hectares of farmland, marking one of the largest mechanisation drives undertaken in recent years.

While acknowledging the importance of large-scale farming equipment, the minister stressed that the government also recognises the unique needs of smallholder farmers who cultivate relatively small plots of land and often cannot afford expensive machinery. He noted that providing these farmers with smaller, cost-effective mechanised tools would significantly improve their productivity while reducing the physical strain associated with manual farming.

Kyari described smallholder farmers as the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, revealing that they account for nearly 80 percent of the nation’s food production. Their contribution, he said, makes them the country’s first line of defence against food insecurity, underscoring the importance of equipping them with the right technologies to boost production.

According to him, the Federal Government is determined to ensure that rural communities benefit directly from ongoing agricultural reforms by making mechanisation more accessible and practical.

He explained that while full-scale mechanisation remains capital-intensive, introducing compact, hand-powered tillers offers an effective alternative capable of replacing traditional farming implements without imposing excessive financial burdens on farmers.

Kyari stated that preparations for the deployment are already underway, expressing confidence that the initiative will help improve efficiency in land preparation, reduce labour costs and encourage greater participation in farming activities across rural Nigeria.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu had already launched the 2,000 tractors currently being deployed nationwide and revealed that the introduction of hand-powered tillers would complement those efforts by targeting farmers operating at the grassroots level.

The minister maintained that mechanisation should not be viewed solely through the lens of large tractors and sophisticated machinery but should also include practical innovations specifically designed for small-scale agricultural production.

He emphasized that expanding access to simple mechanised equipment has the potential to transform the livelihoods of millions of rural farmers by enabling them to cultivate larger areas within shorter periods while improving overall productivity.

Beyond announcing the new initiative, Kyari used the occasion to pay tribute to Emeritus Professor Gabriel Makanjuola, describing him as one of Nigeria’s greatest agricultural innovators whose contributions have shaped the development of agricultural engineering in the country.

He praised the professor for consistently pursuing innovation and practical solutions throughout his distinguished career without waiting for recognition or personal reward, adding that his legacy continues to inspire younger generations of engineers, researchers and agricultural professionals.

DDM News reports that Professor Makanjuola has played a significant role in advancing agricultural engineering education, research and technological innovation in Nigeria, making substantial contributions to mechanisation and sustainable farming practices over several decades.

Also speaking during the event, the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Buka Tijani, stressed the urgent need to reduce dependence on manual labour within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He explained that the future of farming lies in adopting engineering solutions capable of improving productivity while reducing the physical demands placed on farmers.

According to him, agricultural engineering should continue focusing on developing technologies that create both economic and technical value for farmers while ensuring more efficient production systems.

He noted that innovations involving farm machinery, water management and modern agricultural techniques are essential for boosting food production and ensuring sustainable agricultural development across the country.

Tijani further emphasized that reducing manual labour would not only improve efficiency but also make agriculture more attractive to younger Nigerians, many of whom remain reluctant to embrace farming because of its physically demanding nature.

He observed that increased mechanisation would encourage higher productivity, support commercial farming and contribute significantly to national economic growth.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Makanjuola, expressed profound gratitude to Obafemi Awolowo University for conferring upon him the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor, describing the recognition as one of the highest honours of his academic career.

He thanked members of the university community, colleagues, professional associates, family members, government officials and distinguished guests who attended the ceremony to celebrate his 90th birthday and decades of service to Nigeria’s agricultural and engineering sectors.

Professor Makanjuola reflected on his lifelong commitment to advancing agricultural engineering and expressed satisfaction at witnessing renewed national attention toward mechanisation and technological innovation within the agricultural sector.

He encouraged younger professionals to remain committed to developing practical solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s food production challenges while improving the lives of farmers nationwide.

The event served not only as a celebration of an accomplished academic but also as an opportunity to highlight the growing importance of mechanisation in achieving national food security and sustainable agricultural development.

DDM News understands that the Federal Government’s planned deployment of hand-powered tillers represents another significant step in its ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector. By complementing the nationwide distribution of tractors with affordable mechanised tools specifically designed for smallholder farmers, the government aims to increase productivity, reduce labour-intensive farming practices and empower the millions of rural Nigerians whose efforts continue to sustain the nation’s food supply. If successfully implemented, the initiative could play a crucial role in improving agricultural output, strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving long-term food security.