Uba Sani women mechanised farming initiative highlights access to modern tools to increase productivity, income, and food security in Nigeria

Governor Uba Sani has emphasised that empowering women with mechanised farming tools will boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and expand economic opportunities across Nigeria.

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Sani made the remarks during celebrations for International Women’s Day organised by the Women in Mechanised Agriculture Association on Saturday. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe.

“This gathering is not merely ceremonial. It symbolises a quiet revolution unfolding across our farms, markets and agribusiness hubs — a revolution powered by women,” the governor said.

He explained that mechanisation is transforming agriculture globally and that Nigeria must embrace modern farming technologies to remain competitive and meet the country’s growing food demands.

“Mechanisation is not just about machines; it is about improving productivity, increasing efficiency and reducing the drudgery associated with traditional farming methods,” Sani said.

Highlighting the unique challenges faced by women farmers, the governor noted that they often balance farm work with household responsibilities. Access to mechanised tools, he said, would ease their workload while boosting productivity and income.

“Women farmers frequently balance farm work with household responsibilities. Providing them with access to mechanised tools will reduce labour intensity and enable them to increase their output and income,” he stated.

Sani described agriculture as the backbone of livelihoods for millions of Nigerians, recognising women’s vital contributions across production, processing, marketing, and distribution.

He also acknowledged persistent barriers women face, including limited access to land, finance, and technology.

The governor assured that the Kaduna State Government will continue supporting women and youth through policies and investments aimed at expanding agribusiness development and modern agricultural technology access.

Also addressing the gathering, the association’s President, Aisha Bako, said the organisation, founded in 2019, has grown from six members to approximately 2,900 women providing mechanised farming services across several states.

“We started with just six members in 2019, but today our membership has grown to about 2,900 women offering mechanised services such as ploughing, harvesting, threshing, drying, irrigation, pumping and crop spraying,” Bako said.

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Additionally, PropCom Plus representative Kator Abagu highlighted partnerships to establish solar-powered mechanisation hubs and introduce climate-smart agricultural technologies, aimed at improving productivity and supporting smallholder farmers nationwide.