By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria – May 15, 2026(Series News Online)- The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has provided 130 units of 13-horsepower power tillers to farmers in Kebbi State as part of efforts to strengthen mechanized farming and enhance food security.
The equipment was handed over to beneficiaries in Birnin Kebbi on Friday during a ceremony attended by officials of the commission, state government representatives, and community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, the Special Adviser on Technical Matters, Prof. Yasir Abubakar, said the intervention was in line with the agricultural priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The distribution reflects our commitment to easing the burden of manual labour and expanding access to mechanisation for farmers in hydroelectric power producing areas,” Prof. Abubakar stated.
He explained that the initiative falls under N-HYPPADEC’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme, through which 850 power tillers were procured for distribution across the commission’s 10 member states. Kebbi State received 130 units to support farmers in its riverine and power-producing communities.
“Agriculture remains a cornerstone for economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable food supply. We acknowledge the critical role of farmers, particularly those in riverine and hydroelectric communities, in safeguarding national food production,” he said.
Prof. Abubakar stressed that the machines were provided at no cost and urged recipients to use them strictly for agricultural purposes. He warned that the commission would monitor the equipment to prevent diversion or resale.
“We expect beneficiaries to put these tillers to productive use. Any attempt to misuse or sell them will undermine the purpose of this programme,” he warned.
He also acknowledged the support of the Kebbi State Government under Governor Nasir Idris, as well as traditional rulers, community leaders, and farmers’ associations, for their role in facilitating the programme.
The commission, he added, is preparing additional support measures including extension services, hand-driven planters, and knapsack sprayers to further improve farming systems and value chains.
In his remarks, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Shehu Mu’azu, said the intervention followed consultations among power-producing states on ways to raise farmers’ productivity.
He disclosed that officials from the participating states had undertaken a study visit to Thailand, where they observed how power tillers significantly boosted agricultural output.
“Mechanisation is the key to improving productivity. That experience informed our recommendation for the commission to support our farmers with these machines,” Mu’azu said.
He called on beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and avoid selling it.
Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Sadiq Ubandoman-Gwandu praised N-HYPPADEC for its consistent interventions aimed at improving livelihoods in member communities.
Representing the beneficiaries, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankubura expressed appreciation to the commission and the Federal Government for sustaining agricultural policies focused on food security.
“We thank N-HYPPADEC for this timely support. These machines will reduce our labour and increase our output in the coming season,” Dankubura said.
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Agriculture