Bank of Agriculture Proposes 1.2M Hectare Farming Plan

The Bank of Agriculture (BoA), led by Managing Director Ayo Sotinriad, proposed a mechanized farming initiative aimed at covering 1.2 million hectares across Nigeria's 360 federal constituencies. Unveiled during a plenary session in Abuja, the program seeks to boost food production, tackle rural poverty, and create jobs.

The initiative is designed to increase agricultural output, reduce hunger, and address structural drivers of insecurity. Lawmakers are expected to contribute 60% of the costs for deploying tractors within their constituencies, with each tractor capable of mechanizing a minimum of five hectares per hour, leading to an annual project rollout of 600 hectares.

The program will also establish farm hubs to provide farmers with access to inputs, irrigation, and financial services. The initiative aims to improve yield to two tons per hectare and enable year-round farming cycles.

This proposal is part of a broader effort to transform Nigeria's agricultural landscape amid rising food inflation and insecurity.