Yobe Farmers To Pay ₦50,000 As Buni Cuts Tractor Hire Fees By 50%

Farmers in Yobe State are set for major relief this farming season as the state government has approved a 50 per cent reduction in tractor hire charges, cutting the cost from ₦100,000 to ₦50,000 in a move aimed at boosting food production and strengthening agricultural output across the state.

The approval was granted by Governor Mai Mala Buni as part of ongoing efforts to reduce production costs for farmers, expand mechanised farming, and improve food security in Yobe State.

The Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, disclosed the development, describing it as a strategic intervention designed to ease the financial burden on farmers and encourage wider participation in agriculture.

According to him, the decision is expected to significantly improve access to mechanised farming services, enabling farmers to cultivate larger portions of land and increase crop yields during the current farming season.

Dr. Goje explained that the reduction in tractor hiring fees aligns with the administration’s broader agricultural development agenda, which prioritises rural economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable food production systems.

He noted that the Buni administration has consistently invested in agricultural support programmes, including the provision of farm machinery, improved seedlings, fertilisers, and other inputs aimed at strengthening productivity and rural livelihoods.

“The Buni-led administration has consistently prioritised agriculture through investments in farm machinery, improved seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural support aimed at strengthening rural economies,” he said.

He added that making tractor services more affordable would not only encourage more farmers to engage in mechanised farming but also help reduce drudgery and improve efficiency in agricultural operations.

The government believes that the 50 per cent subsidy on tractor hire services will translate into higher productivity levels, increased food availability, and improved income for farmers across the state.

The policy is also seen as part of Yobe State’s broader strategy to address food security challenges and stimulate economic growth through agriculture, which remains the backbone of livelihoods in the state.

With the new pricing structure, more smallholder farmers are expected to access tractor services, potentially increasing the number of hectares cultivated during the farming season and reducing reliance on manual labour.

Officials say the intervention reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that agriculture remains viable, profitable, and capable of sustaining the state’s growing population.