By: Abdullahi Inuwa
In the arid landscapes of Yobe State, a quiet revolution is taking root — one that promises to redefine farming and boost food security. At the heart of this transformation is Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose administration has embarked on an ambitious agricultural mechanisation drive that is already turning hoes into harvesters and subsistence farmers into agripreneurs.
With agriculture employing over 70% of Yobe’s population, Buni’s vision is clear: make farming profitable, productive, and sustainable. From the rolling plains of Jakusko to the fertile fields of Gujba, modern tractors now roar where silence once lingered. The state has rolled out an impressive fleet of mechanised equipment — including tractors, planters, harvesters, and irrigation systems — made accessible to farmers at subsidised rates.
“Our goal is to move away from the traditional back-breaking manual farming,” Governor Buni said during the launch of the mechanisation programme in Damaturu. “We are determined to empower our farmers with the tools and knowledge to compete and thrive in a modern economy.”
Beyond machines, Yobe’s agricultural push includes training programs, farmer cooperatives, and strategic partnerships with private sector players and international agencies. Local youths are being trained as operators and mechanics, creating jobs and reducing rural unemployment.
The impact is already visible. Crop yields have risen, post-harvest losses have declined, and farmers are gaining confidence. In Nguru, rice farmers report a 40% increase in production, while wheat and maize outputs in Bade and Potiskum have surged.
Analysts say Buni’s approach is not just about agriculture; it’s about resilience. Coming from a state affected by insurgency and climate change, mechanisation offers a new path to stability and prosperity.
As the sun sets over the expansive farmlands of Yobe, one thing is clear — Governor Buni’s mechanisation drive is sowing the seeds of a greener, richer, and more secure future for generations to come.
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