Benue Assembly Pledges Support for Agricultural Bureau as Key Challenges in Extension Services and Mechanization Emerge

The Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Food Security and Nutrition has pledged legislative backing to address challenges facing the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization (BADM) following an oversight visit to the agency in Makurdi.

During the engagement, the Director-General of BADM, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, briefed the lawmakers on the Bureau’s mandate, programmes, and performance. She outlined achievements including the commencement of farmer registration for a reliable agricultural database, promotion of soybean investment, implementation of cluster farming from small to large-scale operations, and deployment of e-extension services.

Mrs. Zaki, however, identified unreliable agricultural data, encroachment on government farmlands, and inadequate manpower as major obstacles. She noted that government-owned farmlands at Tyomu have been encroached upon by host communities, with recovery efforts ongoing. She also expressed concern over the acute shortage of extension workers, which discourages potential investors.

The Director of Extension and Risk Management, Mrs. Veronica Igbana, revealed that while about 550 extension agents have been profiled, the retirement of many government workers has created a significant manpower gap, forcing management staff to handle field duties.

On mechanization, the Chief Executive Officer of SABASPAC, Mr. Sebastian Ameh, disclosed setbacks in securing financing for tractors due to stringent conditions from financial institutions. He added that although tractor assembly began at BADM on May 27, 2025, progress has been slow due to inadequate equipment and limited government support.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Anyor Mato, assured the Bureau of the Assembly’s commitment to collaborate with the executive and stakeholders to tackle these challenges and strengthen food security and agricultural productivity in Benue State.