Stakeholders in the agriculture sector have said that Nigeria cannot increase its farming productivity until it starts engaging in large scale mechanization as compared to other countries. Speaking during at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Ilorin, the stakeholders emphasized the need for improved agricultural mechanization to achieve food security and sufficiency in the country.

The programme was also to mark the 25th NIAE International Conference, 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the National Agricultural Machinery Exhibition.The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adamu Dabban, said that it was high time the country moved from using crude farm implements in farming processes to using mechanized technologies to improve farm productivity.

‘’Our rate of engagement in mechanization is very low in this country and this programme that brings stakeholders together is to see how we can further strengthen mechanization goals in the country. ‘’We need to stop using hoes and cutlasses and start using machines and equipment and the latest modern tools to engage in our farming practices. ‘’We have to increase what we produce and move away from food insecurity so as to feed ourselves, increase our food production for the populace and possibly to export,’’ he said.

The Co-Chairman of the Central Organizing Committee, Oluwole Ogujini, said that mechanization would help to remove the drudgery associated with farming for it to be attractive to everybody including the youths.