The Ebonyi State Government has taken delivery of a new set of D8 bullozers for the tilling of farmlands in preparation for this year’s planting season in the state.

Five of the bulldozers which form part of the 13 imported by the Engr. David Umahi-led government arrived Abakaliki, the state capital, on Sunday.

The equipment are to be distributed to each to the 13 local government areas of the state where the government has already acquired acres of land for rice production.

Receiving the equipment, the Commissioner for Works, Engr Fidelis Nweze, said the procurement of the bulldozers was a practical demonstration of Governor Umahi’s genuine desire to diversify the economy of the state through agriculture.

He recalled that the state government through the governor had said that over N20 billion was expected from rice production in 2016.

Nweze said: “The bulldozers are expected to prepare ground in preparation for rice plantation this season. The remaining eight are to be moved soon to the state from Lagos Port.

“We are expecting over N20 billion from rice production, come this year 2016. That is why we procured these bulldozers because if we hire it will be on high side.”

The commissioner, who recalled that six bulldozers had earlier been purchased by the government, added that graders would also arrived the state soon to prepare the roads leading to the rice farms.

•Photo shows Governor Umahi.