The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has proposed a huge farming plan to Nigerian lawmakers.

The plan involves using machines to farm 1.2 million hectares of land. This is a major shift from the hand tools and simple methods most farmers currently use. The BOA believes this change is key to solving Nigeria’s food problems.

The goal is to produce more food in less time. Mechanised farming uses tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. These tools allow farmers to cover large areas quickly and reduce crop losses.

The BOA argues that without this move, Nigeria will keep relying on expensive food imports. Modern methods can help feed the country’s growing population.

The bank now needs lawmakers to approve the plan. This includes providing land, funding, and new farming policies. The BOA also wants to set up training hubs across many states. Young Nigerians would learn to operate and repair the new machines. Local communities would not be pushed aside but rather included as cooperative groups.

The economic benefits could be large. Thousands of jobs would be created in farming, transport, and machine maintenance. Small farmers would share expensive equipment and earn more money.

A steady food supply would also help lower prices for staples like rice, maize, and cassava. This would save Nigeria from spending billions on food imports.

However, challenges remain. The biggest hurdle is funding, as buying thousands of tractors costs a lot. Lawmakers have asked the BOA for a detailed budget and timeline. There are also concerns about getting spare parts to remote areas.

The BOA has proposed working with private companies to solve this. For now, the plan is in the hands of legislators waiting for a final decision.