Women empowerment key to mechanized agriculture growth -Gov Sani

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has said that empowering women with mechanized farming tools will accelerate agricultural productivity, improve food security and expand economic opportunities across Nigeria.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, spoke in Kaduna during the celebration of International Women’s Day organized by the Women in Mechanized Agriculture Association (WIMA).
He said the gathering was not merely ceremonial but symbolic of what he described as a “quiet revolution” taking place across farms, markets and agribusiness hubs, driven by women.
According to him, mechanization is transforming agriculture globally and Nigeria must embrace the shift to remain competitive and meet rising food demands.
The Governor noted that mechanization represents more than the use of machines, explaining that it improves productivity, enhances efficiency, reduces labour burdens and creates new economic opportunities for farmers, particularly women.
He added that women farmers often bear the dual responsibilities of farm work and household duties, stressing that access to mechanized equipment could significantly ease their workload while boosting productivity and income.
Sani said agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods for millions of Nigerians, with women playing critical roles across the value chain from production and processing to marketing and food distribution.