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The Benue State Government has officially launched the Agricultural Mechanization Outgrower Programme, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state. The flag-off ceremony, held in Makurdi, witnessed the distribution of brand-new tractors and modern farming equipment to cooperative farmers’ groups.
The initiative, led by Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration, is designed to boost mechanized farming and increase productivity among smallholder farmers. Represented at the event by his Deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, Governor Alia commended Benue farmers for their keen interest in his administration’s vision to redeem the state’s food basket image. He assured that his administration would subsidize agricultural mechanization to support this goal.
Earlier, 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 emphasized that the initiative would grant farmers access to machinery, training, and technical support for effective utilization and maximum output. She further highlighted the role of extension agents who will work hand-in-hand with farmers to ensure efficiency and accountability, noting that the programme’s success would not have been possible without the contributions and collaboration of partners and stakeholders.
Highlights of the event included the endorsement of Governor Alia for a second term by the Benue Cooperative Farmers Federation, as well as the 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.
Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, announced that through a pilot scheme, ten clusters of over three hundred farmers would benefit from mechanization and other farm inputs. He commended the Benue State Governor for his vision of agricultural development focused on food security, wealth creation, and poverty reduction, while also acknowledging the commitment of development partners to the liberation of Benue farmers.
Benita Shuluwa, Director General of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, called the programme a significant milestone in the government’s drive to transform agriculture and improve the state’s agrarian economy.
