Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, Thursday flagged off distribution of improved seedlings to farmers in the state to enhance commercial agriculture.
Flagging-off the distribution at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Ortom explained that it became necessary for the state to diversity to ensure food security.
While noting that Benue State is determined to add value to agicultural production for export earning, Ortom said research carried out showed that the state is rich in the cultivation of water melon which is consumed globally and urged the people to take advantage and explore this avenue.
“We are distributing over 4,666 improved rice seedlings, 230 bags of maize, 690 water melon and 10,000 improved Cassava stems. The local government chairmen should encourage their people to cultivate water melon, cassava which are in high demand.
“We have two (2) Chinese firms that have set up Ethanol Plants one is located close to Albinsi and another in Zaki-Biam in Ukum local government area. One of the company requires over 300 metric tonnes of cassava. Soon cassava will be in high demand and will be mopped up by these companies.
“By next week, government will flag-off fertilizer sales. It is expected that communities will pay 50 percent for Urea while NPK will attract 60 percent subsidy. I urge Benue people to make judicious use of improved seedlings to boost food production in the State.
“I urge the Federal Government to do everything possible to ensure that the displaced persons most of whom are farmers go back to their ancestral homes”, Ortom appealed.
Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Barr. Kenneth Achabo who lamented over the destruction of farmlands in the state by incessant attacks by herders attack on farrmers, explained that the seedlings will serve as palliatives which will be distributed free to farmers.
He said the seedlings will support farmers to improve food production and security in the State.
