By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Government has officially commenced the second phase of its Tractor Acquisition Scheme, inviting registered farmers’ cooperatives, commodity associations, and previously shortlisted beneficiaries to complete their documentation for mini tractor distribution.
According to a release dated 8th October, 2026 and signed by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, the initiative aims to enhance local agricultural productivity and scale up food production across the state by expanding access to modern mechanization equipment.
To ensure comprehensive utility for diverse farming needs, each mini tractor is equipped with five vital implements: a planter, a ridger, a rotary tiller (serving as an alternative to harrows for rice farmers), a plough, and a one-ton trailer bucket.
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Addressing specialized terrain challenges, the state has also made provision for specialized attachments tailored for marshy areas.
“For farmers operating in swampy and waterlogged locations, steel cage wheels are available to facilitate seamless and efficient tractor operations,” the statement reads.
In a move to encourage local engineering and self-reliance, the Ministry added that interested farmers wishing to fabricate their own steel cage wheels are welcome to visit the ministry’s headquarters to inspect the official prototype.
The government urges all eligible organizations and interested farmers’ groups to begin documentation immediately by contacting the Department of Agricultural Mechanization at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development in Calabar, or via phone at 0703 968 9722.
