Ogun to procure N.5 billion agric equipment

OGUN State government on Wednesday signed a N500 million contract with three agriculture firms for procurement of modern land clearing equipment.The contract, signed at the office of the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ayo Olubori in Abeokuta was between the Ministry of Agriculture, Dizengoff West Africa Nigeria Limited, Olude Gamu Limited and Mantrac Nigeria Limited.The Commissioner told newsmen after signing the agreement that Dizengoff's contract was worth about N189.8 million for the procurement of 30 MF 275 tractors, 50 Baldan AF-3 Baldan ploughs, 15 Baldan SPA-20 harrows, two Baldan 4-Row planters with fertilizer applicators.The firm, he said, would also supply two Jacto Boom Sprayers 400l and two Bladan RPU-1500 slashers.He added that Mantrac was commissioned to supply N319.7m worth of equipment, which include new Caterpillar track type tractors D8R, D7R with standard blade and serated blade and D6R with serated blade designed for land clearing in swampy areas, while Olude Gamu is to supply a Fleco TR8 Tree Pusher for the ministry at N7.9 million.Olubori, an engineer who explained that the State had not purchased land-clearing equipment in the last 33 years, described the event as a demonstration of government's commitment towards revitalising the agriculture sector.He added that the procurement of the equipment is to enhance land-clearing operations, increase hectares of land cultivated by farmers and also improve agricultural production and industrialisation.The Commissioner disclosed that the first set of equipment isexpected to be delivered within the next two weeks and admonished the companies to adhere strictly to quality specifications as contained in their respective letters of award.Speaking on behalf of thecompanies, Mr. Damisa Enahoro of Dizengoff West Africa thanked the government for giving them the opportunity to participate in the development of agriculture in the state and assured that they would adhere to specifications as contained in their letters of contract.
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