Benue Govt launches agricultural mechanisation programme in Benue

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 

The Benue State Government, on Wednesday, launched the Agricultural Mechanization Outgrower Programme in Makurdi, the state capital.

The programme is a landmark initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

Speaking during the flagging off ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Hyacinth Alia noted that the initiative was targeted at boosting mechanized farming, and increased productivity among smallholder farmers.

Governor Alia who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode commended the Benue farmers for their keen interest in his administration's vision in redeeming the food basket image of the State, assured that his administration would subsidized Agricultural mechanization.

While noting that the Benue farmers were lucky to have had an expert in the agriculture sector, Doctor Benjamin Ashaver as Agriculture Commissioner, the Governor announced that through the pilot scheme, ten clusters of over three hundred farmers would benefit from the mechanization and other farm inputs and commended the Benue farmers for endorsing him for a second term bid.

In his address the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food security, Doctor Benjamin Ashaver noted that the small holder farmers outgrowers programme is the pathway to food security, job creation and wealth generation for the Benue people, commended the Benue State Governor, Reverend for his vision of Agricultural development with focus on food security and wealth creation and poverty reduction as well as the development partners for their commitment to the liberation of the Benue farmers.

Director General of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, said the programme marks a significant milestone in the government drive to transform agriculture and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers.

She further emphasized the role of extension agents who will work hand-in-hand with farmers to guarantee efficiency and accountability in the use of the equipment, adding that the success of the programme would not have been possible without the contributions and collaboration of partners and stakeholders.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, described the programme as a critical component of modern farming. 

She noted that the initiative would grant farmers access to machinery, training, and technical support necessary for effective utilization and maximum output.

 Highlights of the event was the endorsement of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for a second term by the Benue Cooperative Farmers Federation as well as unveiling and test-run of the new tractors, which drew applause from excited farmers and invited guests. 

Beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, noting that it would reduce the burden of manual labor and expand access to commercial-scale farming.

The launching also witnessed the distribution of brand new tractors and other modern farming equipment to cooperative farmers’ groups.