The Benue State Government has officially launched the Agricultural Mechanisation Outgrower Programme, a flagship initiative designed to modernise farming and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The launch ceremony in Makurdi featured the distribution of new tractors and modern farming equipment to cooperative farmers’ groups.
The programme, spearheaded by the administration of Governor Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, aims to boost mechanised agriculture and increase productivity among smallholder farmers.
Governor Alia, represented at the event by his deputy, Sam Ode, praised Benue farmers for embracing the administration’s vision of restoring the state’s image as Nigeria’s food basket.
He assured that the government would subsidise agricultural mechanisation and highlighted the expertise of Dr Benjamin Ashaver, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, in driving the initiative.
The pilot scheme will benefit ten clusters of over 300 farmers, providing mechanised tools and other farm inputs.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner Ashaver described the outgrower programme as a key strategy for ensuring food security, creating jobs, and generating wealth for Benue residents.
He commended Governor Alia for his focus on agricultural development and acknowledged development partners for supporting the empowerment of farmers.
Benita Shuluwa, Director General of the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, said the programme marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to transform agriculture and improve rural livelihoods.
She stressed the crucial role of extension agents in ensuring effective and accountable use of the equipment, and credited partners and stakeholders for their contributions.
Earlier, Mrs Dooshima Zaki, Acting Director General of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation, described the initiative as a cornerstone of modern farming.
She explained that the programme would provide farmers with machinery, training, and technical support to maximise productivity.