Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) 【Commissioning and Handover Ceremony of Power Tillers and Combine Harvesters in Ekiti State】
2026/7/17
On 16 April 2026, the government of Japan commissioned the project for the provision of power tillers and combine harvesters in Gbonyin Local Government Area, Ekiti State.
Ms. DEGUCHI Wakana delivered a speech on behalf of Mr. SUZUKI Hideo, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, to mark the official handover of the equipment.
This project was funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to support the modernization of rice production in a state known for its fertile soil and hardworking farmers.
The initiative provides two combine harvesters and six motorized power tillers manufactured by Mitsubishi Mahindra and Yanmar, introducing innovative Japanese technology to transform the local agriculture.
In the speech, the Ambassador emphasized his belief that this Japanese technology will significantly reduce the physical burden on farmers and transform the future of agriculture for the benefiting communities.
The mechanization will enable 150 rice farmers across 12 communities, to cultivate up to 1,815 hectares annually. This increase in efficiency is projected to produce an estimated 7,190 tons of rice per year while reducing post-harvest losses.
The success of this ceremony reflects the collaboration between the Embassy of Japan, the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), and the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Beyond the immediate provision of machinery, the project includes training support to ensure the equipment is sustainably managed by the Agricultural Development Programme (EADP) and local cooperatives. It aligns with Japan’s commitment, reaffirmed during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), to promote agricultural transformation through innovation and private-sector expertise.
Japan remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, enhance value chains, and build resilient communities across Nigeria.
Ms. DEGUCHI Wakana delivered a speech on behalf of Mr. SUZUKI Hideo, the Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, to mark the official handover of the equipment.
This project was funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to support the modernization of rice production in a state known for its fertile soil and hardworking farmers.
The initiative provides two combine harvesters and six motorized power tillers manufactured by Mitsubishi Mahindra and Yanmar, introducing innovative Japanese technology to transform the local agriculture.
In the speech, the Ambassador emphasized his belief that this Japanese technology will significantly reduce the physical burden on farmers and transform the future of agriculture for the benefiting communities.
The mechanization will enable 150 rice farmers across 12 communities, to cultivate up to 1,815 hectares annually. This increase in efficiency is projected to produce an estimated 7,190 tons of rice per year while reducing post-harvest losses.
The success of this ceremony reflects the collaboration between the Embassy of Japan, the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), and the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Beyond the immediate provision of machinery, the project includes training support to ensure the equipment is sustainably managed by the Agricultural Development Programme (EADP) and local cooperatives. It aligns with Japan’s commitment, reaffirmed during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), to promote agricultural transformation through innovation and private-sector expertise.
Japan remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen food security, enhance value chains, and build resilient communities across Nigeria.
| Project Title | The Project for Provision of Power Tillers and Combine Harvesters in Gbonyin Local Government Area in Ekiti State |
| Amount Granted | US$165,179 |
| Implementing Partner | New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) |
| Summary of the Project | Provision of power tillers and combine harvesters to support the modernization of rice production in Ekiti state. |