Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his commitment to achieving full agricultural mechanisation in Benue State, beginning with the dry-season farming programme scheduled to commence in December this year.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday during an inspection visit to the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation, during which he assessed ongoing work at the tractor and equipment assembly plant, his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, said in a statement.
He said during the visit, the governor inspected 41 newly assembled tractors of various brands and capacities, ranging from 25hp to 95hp alongside several complementary farm implements, including combine harvesters, different types of threshers, planters/fertilizer applicators, excavators, and yam mounders, among others.
The governor reiterated his resolve to sustain the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement entered into by the state government with Mass International & Equipment Nigeria Limited (SABASPAC Int’l Ltd.), the tripartite private-sector partner in the initiative, the statement noted.
According to the governor, the partnership is an initiative of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, led by Ms. Benita Shuluwa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Fr. Alia noted that the collaboration is already yielding gains, with over 900 youths trained in tractor assembly and modern agricultural best practices.
He also inspected demonstration farms within the facility, showcasing smart seedlings of crops including papaya, cocoa, rice, and oil palm.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security to ensure that all government-owned agricultural lands are immediately earmarked for the planting and replanting of improved seedlings of oranges, mangoes, and key grains, including guinea corn, wheat, barley, and sorghum.
Fr. Alia further encouraged Benue farmers to take advantage of the improved seedlings already available at the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, stressing that enhanced inputs are crucial to the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
