By Atoyebi Nike
Benue State has moved to ramp up large-scale food production as Governor Hyacinth Alia assessed a new collection of agricultural machines ahead of the state’s 2025 dry-season farming schedule set to commence in December.
The Governor made the remarks during a tour of the tractor and equipment assembly site at the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, stressing that the ongoing mechanization drive is key to unlocking Benue’s full potential as the nation’s food basket.
According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Kula Tersoo, the programme is anchored on a Public-Private Partnership with Mass International & Equipment Nigeria Limited (SABASPAC Int’l Ltd.), coordinated through the Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
During the inspection, Governor Alia reviewed 41 newly assembled tractors ranging from 25hp to 95hp and several other implements, including combine harvesters, threshers, planters, fertilizer applicators, excavators, and yam mounders. He also visited demonstration farms featuring improved varieties of papaya, cocoa, rice and oil palm.
He noted early progress from the collaboration, stating that more than 900 youths have been trained in tractor assembly and modern farming methods under the Agribusiness Mechanization Centre.
Alia further directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security to begin mapping government-owned farmlands for the cultivation of improved oranges, mangoes, and staple grains such as sorghum, barley, wheat, and guinea corn.
The Governor encouraged farmers to take advantage of the expanded access to improved seedlings now available at the Bureau, insisting that quality inputs remain the foundation of Benue’s agricultural reform plan.
