Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Benue state is undoubtedly an agrarian state. It has over the years justifiably gained prominence as the food basket of the nation with so much potential to not only feed herself but Nigeria and with proper attention even Africa if not the world.
Benue has however over time faced huge challenges that have driven it further and further away from it’s food basket status. Issues of insecurity, increased poverty aggravated by non payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities which are most often than not the main sources of farmers for inputs.
His Excellency, Rev Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia came with the full determination to help Benue realise her full potential as the food basket of the nation. On assumption of office, barely two months in the saddle, His Excellency embarked on a subsidy in Agriculture which he has sustained till date. The gov Alia led administration ordered and distributed 300 metric tonnes of fertilizer at 50% subsidy.
Just a few days ago, at the flag off of the 2024 cropping Season at the ministry of Agriculture, His Excellency announced the distribution of 600 tonnes of fertilizer across the state, double what he gave last year, at subsidized rates.
This is a testament to his resolve to increase food production, banking on the resilience and dedication of Benue farmers who work tirelessly to ensure food security in our State and Nigeria at large.
The Alia led administration has prioritized the agricultural sector as the lowest hanging fruit to catalyze growth and economic development of Benue State. The administration has engaged in a strategic partnership with development partners such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain in Rice and Cassava, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), ACReSAL among others which has opened up new opportunities for value addition and agro-processing, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria has also given His Excellency and the people of Benue state support in this direction which His Excellency has acknowledged. He acknowledged a donation of 60 trucks of assorted fertilizers comprising 19.8 trucks of NPK:20:10:10, 16.1 trucks of NPK:27:13:13, 16.1 trucks of NPK:15:15:15 and 8 trucks of Urea to Benue State Government from the Federal government. These inputs Gov Alia said are meant to be given to registered genuine and verifiable farmers to enhance food production in the State FREE of charge.
There is a need for the Benue farmer to understand the difference between the subsidized products which the Benue state government is availing to the farmers which started since last year and the assistance from the Federal government which is free and meant for Agricultural corporatives. This understanding will help them appreciate how much the governor is committed to agricultural development and why he will not do anything to frustrate the process. Truth is the Benue state government started subsidizing agricultural inputs since last year, the Federal government, only gave the state a hand this year and as surely as the sowing and harvest seasons, the agricultural corporatives will get these inputs, for free as they are meant to be.
His Excellency has said time and again that Agriculture remains the backbone of the Benue economy and he is willing and ready to do everything legally and morally possible to encourage young men and women to embrace it as an attractive and viable means of wealth creation. His plan is to ensure that Agriculture is not just seen as a profession, but as a gateway to economic empowerment and sustainability.
The state government according to His Excellency has the resources to turn the Benue agricultural sector into a powerhouse of production and innovation. He says with agriculture, we as a people are too rich to be poor.
“We have fertile lands, skilled farmers, and a government that is willing to invest heavily in the future of its people. I want to assure every aspiring farmer that we are here to support you. Come, and we will provide you with the resources you need to farm free of charge. Let us all work together to transform our state into the food basket that is capable of feeding the entire nation and beyond”
Surely, our Benue shall be great again
Solomon Iorpev is media Aide to the governor