Rwanda Revs Up Agricultural Revolution with Nigerian-Built Tractors.
The Rwandan government has announced it will expedite the procurement of 120-horsepower multipurpose Bob-tractors assembled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This decision follows reports of the tractor’s versatility and suitability for African weather conditions, particularly for mechanized farming.
Vianney Rubagumya, Second Counsellor at the Rwandan High Commission to Nigeria, made the announcement at the unveiling ceremony of the Bob-tractor, assembled by the indigenous firm Bobtractors Nigeria Limited. He stated, “The President of Rwanda has received positive reports on the versatility of the 120 horsepower Bob-tractors manufactured and assembled in Port Harcourt, specifically designed for African weather and mechanized farming. He therefore directed top officers of the Rwandan High Commission to attend the unveiling ceremony.”
Rubagumya further explained that the Rwandan government views mechanized agriculture as a key driver for achieving food security and export potential to other East African and European countries. He also revealed ongoing discussions between the Rwandan government and Ibifiri BobManuel, Managing Director of Bob Tractors Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the unveiling, BobManuel described the tractor as “a multipurpose game changer for mechanized farming and agribusiness.” He elaborated on his team’s five-year commitment to designing and manufacturing the 120 horsepower Bob-tractors in Port Harcourt, specifically adapted for the Nigerian tropical climate and African terrain.
BobManuel emphasized the tractor’s advantages over those imported from Europe, which are prone to overheating and breakdowns due to the tropical climate. He highlighted the newly inaugurated Bob-tractors’ versatility, functioning as a harvester, planter, and bush clearer, while being easily maintainable with readily available parts, eliminating the need for European imports.
He concluded by emphasizing the untapped potential of mechanized agriculture as a “gold mine” exceeding the revenue generation of oil and gas.
