Yemisi Izuora
All is set for the take off the 12,000 hectares capacity Sugarcane farm in Jigawa state as Great Northern Agric, promoters of the farm takes delivery of two high capacity tractors from Dizengoff. The company took delivery of the two massive tractors to break ground for the cultivation of its ambitious 12,000 hectares sugarcane farm in Jigawa state.
The two CASE IH tractors delivered by Dizengoff are regarded as “monster” tractors or sometimes also referred to as “king of the fields” have a massive combined 305 Horse Power (HP) capacity. According to information made available by Great Northern Agric, the company took delivery of the tractors to begin operations with the cultivation of an initial 300 hectares of sugarcane farm.
“We are beginning operations with the cultivation of 300 hectares using sub-surface irrigation system. And we hope to increase this quickly to 12,000 hectares within 2 years,” says Mr. Wang, General Manager of Great Northern Agric.
According to him, his company went for the “monster” CASE IH tractors distributed and serviced with genuine spare parts in Nigeria by Dizengoff because of its desire for performance. “Our vision is a very ambitious one. The terrain here like most parts of the north could be very challenging. The soil is hard and the conditions are tough.
“And so we knew we need the right kind of equipment to achieve our goals. From all indications We saw that the CASE IH tractors fits perfectly into the kind of equipment we need to get things done quickly and in the most efficient and cost effective manner,” he said.
Wang disclosed that the company is “starting operation with the cultivation of 300 hectares of Sugarcane farm and we want to be able to push this to 12,000 hectares within 2 years. So we are deploying the most advanced and reliable technology available.”
The CASE IH tractor range was voted the “Machine of the Year 2017.” According to volume and market share. The CASE IH tractor brand manufactured by Case Holland, are said to be “built to meet the power, durability, comfort and productivity needs of farmers, bringing reliable technology to their business. The engines are designed to deliver maximum horsepower with efficient power.”
Depending on the spec, he says, “their ingenious hi-tech designs are crafted with inbuilt high efficiency catalytic selective reduction technology which delivers the highest power needed with the lowest fuel consumption and emissions. The engine power management is capable of boosting engine power to give additional horsepower to deal with difficult conditions.”
Giving further insight, the Commercial Manager, Damisa Enahoro further says that typical of the Dizengoff tradition, we are not just supplying these machines. Dizengoff is fully on ground as partners to provide full technical support and training to Great Northern Agric in terms of maintenance, including replacement parts and service. So we are fully on ground with them, he also said.
Meanwhile, Dizengoff Chief Executive Officer Mr. Antti Ritvonen also echoing the company’s support plan disclosed that, beyond the machine, after sales service is integral to Dizengoff’s overall customer service delivery. “It is at the heart of our strategy. We don’t just sell tractors. We have the genuine parts and we back this up with maintenance service, in addition to providing expert advice and technical support services, such that the customer is never alone.”
He expressed excitement about the bold move by Great Northern Agric. “I think this is really a welcome development for Nigeria’s agriculture. I congratulate Nigeria that a lot of investors including governments across the country are beginning to see the light.
“It is heartwarming to see that some kind of understanding is beginning to emerge about how these things are done. For instance, the understanding that you need the right kind of investment and technology to get modern agriculture right and to be able to tap the huge opportunities in the sector,” he further said.