AFAN partners Brazilian companies to lease tractors, farm machinery for Nigerian farmers

Stanley Ihedigbo

All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with equipment manufacturing companies in Brazil to facilitate the lease and deployment of modern agricultural machinery to farmers in Nigeria.

The agreement, which is expected to significantly boost farm mechanisation across the country, covers the supply of a wide range of agricultural equipment, including tractors, planting and harvesting implements, as well as dairy equipment for livestock production.

The MoU was signed on behalf of AFAN by its National President, Farouk Rabiu Mudi, during a working visit by the association’s delegation to Brazil aimed at strengthening international agricultural partnerships and improving the productivity of Nigerian farmers.

According to AFAN, arrangements for the pre-shipment of the equipment commenced immediately after the agreement was signed, ahead of their eventual arrival in Nigeria.

The association explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance mechanisation, improve efficiency in agricultural production and support farmers with modern tools required for large-scale farming.

The visit to Brazil, AFAN noted, was primarily aimed at interfacing with equipment manufacturers, farmers and agricultural institutions in order to learn from their experiences and understand the growth patterns that have enabled Brazil’s private sector-driven agricultural system to thrive.

Part of the delegation’s engagement included interactions with Cotrijal Cooperative, one of Brazil’s leading agricultural cooperatives known for its strong export capacity in beef and other agricultural produce.

AFAN said the exposure to successful agricultural models in Brazil would help Nigerian farmers adopt improved practices capable of enhancing productivity and competitiveness in the global agricultural market.

Further details of the agreement are expected to be unveiled when the AFAN delegation returns to Nigeria.

The association said the partnership represents the first phase of commitments made by the Executive Council, led by Evaldo Silva Junior, to support AFAN’s programmes aimed at strengthening farmers’ capacity and improving agricultural output.

AFAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Garba, described the development as a significant milestone for Nigerian farmers, noting that the initiative would provide members of the association with improved access to modern agricultural equipment.

He added that the leadership of AFAN under Dr. Mudi remains committed to initiatives that will improve farmers’ welfare, enhance productivity and strengthen the country’s food production capacity.

Industry observers believe the partnership could mark an important step toward addressing Nigeria’s long-standing mechanisation gap and boosting the performance of the agricultural sector, which remains a key contributor to the country’s economy and food security.