Sani Dutsinma
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed 130 units of 13-horsepower power tillers to selected farmers in Kebbi State as part of efforts to enhance agricultural production and strengthen food security.
The distribution exercise, held in Birnin Kebbi, was led by the Managing Director of the commission, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, who said the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sadiq-Yelwa, who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Professor Yasir Abubakar, explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting agricultural mechanisation, reducing labour intensity, and improving productivity among farmers in hydroelectric power-producing communities.
He noted that the distribution is part of N-HYPPADEC’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme under which a total of 850 power tillers have been procured for distribution across its 10 member states. Kebbi State received 130 units to support local farmers and boost food production.
According to him, the equipment was distributed free of charge, adding that beneficiaries are expected to make effective use of the machines. He further stated that the commission would monitor their utilisation to ensure the objectives of the programme are fully achieved.
Sadiq-Yelwa also disclosed that additional agricultural support interventions are being developed, including extension services, hand-driven planters, and knapsack sprayers to further enhance agricultural value chains and productivity.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Shehu Mu’azu, said the initiative followed consultations among power-producing states on strategies to improve farmers’ productivity.
He explained that officials from participating states had previously visited Thailand, where they observed the effectiveness of power tillers in boosting agricultural output and modern farming practices.