…Promises commercially viable agricultural sector
The Benue State Government is committed to building a modern, resilient, and commercially viable agricultural sector capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty, and driving economic growth.
The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, made this known Thursday while speaking at the official launch of the 2026 Fertilizer and Other Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise held at the Industrial Lay-Out, Makurdi.
According to the Governor, “This occasion is not merely the commencement of another seasonal agricultural programme. It is a demonstration of our administration’s commitment to food security, agricultural productivity, rural prosperity, and the economic advancement of our people.
“As the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue State occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. This enviable status was earned through the resilience, hard work, and dedication of our farmers who, year after year, cultivate the land and contribute significantly to feeding our state and the nation at large.
“Today, we celebrate these farmers, the true drivers of our agricultural economy and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them with the resources they need to succeed.”
The Governor who recalled that upon assumption of office, his administration made a firm commitment to reposition agriculture as the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth in Benue State however noted that, limited access to quality inputs, and other systemic challenges were constraining the productivity of our farmers and threatening food security thus the adoption of deliberate policies and interventions aimed at improving access to critical farm inputs, enhancing productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes, and strengthening the entire agricultural value chain.
Governor Alia explained that this year’s exercise has been significantly enhanced to achieve greater impact, adding that his administration’s vision for agriculture extends beyond the provision of fertilizers and farm inputs.
“Accordingly, our administration continues to invest in critical agricultural infrastructure and support systems, including: Rural roads to facilitate the movement of farm produce from production centres to markets; Irrigation and water management initiatives to support year-round farming; Agro-processing and value-addition programmes aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ earnings; Capacity-building initiatives for farmers, extension workers, youth, and women involved in agribusiness and Strategic partnerships designed to attract investment into the agricultural sector,” the Governor stated even as he assured Benue farmers of the state government’s support in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions, while assuring them of an enabling environment in which they can thrive.
Governor Alia further encouraged farmers to make the best use of the inputs being provided under the programme and urged them to cooperate with the relevant authorities and adhere strictly to the established guidelines towards ensuring the success of the exercise.
Speaking further, Governor Alia charged officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, extension workers, and all personnel involved in the distribution exercise to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism, and fairness
“Let there be no room for diversion, favouritism, or exploitation. Every input procured under this programme must reach the intended beneficiaries. Accountability and transparency shall remain the guiding principles of this exercise.
“The fertilizer shall be sold at subsidized price of N28,000 per bag to farmers, while Government will pay the corresponding balance of N28,000 to make up for the bag.”
While calling on Benue people to continue to work together to strengthen Benue’s position as the Food Basket of the Nation and a leading hub of agricultural excellence in Nigeria, the Governor noted that agriculture remains the most viable pathway to food sufficiency, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for Benue.
“Together, we must continue to invest in the sector and support the men and women whose labour sustains our economy and nourishes our people.
“As we commence the 2026 Fertilizer and Other Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise today, I express my optimism that this intervention will translate into increased productivity, bumper harvests, improved livelihoods, and greater prosperity for our people,” Governor Alia said.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, described the launch as a clear indication of Governor Alia’s commitment to the welfare of farmers in the state and by extension, food security.
The Commissioner who emphasized that timely access to quality farm inputs would help farmers overcome rising production costs driven by global economic uncertainties and conflicts affecting fertilizer supply chains, revealed that the fertilizers, improved seeds, agrochemicals, and knapsack sprayers were procured through a transparent process and subjected to rigorous quality checks.
Ashaver further assured farmers that substandard agricultural inputs would no longer be tolerated in Benue State even as he warned that the subsidized inputs were strictly intended for genuine farmers and warned against diversion and hoarding.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Star Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, Mr. Julius Atorough disclosed that in addition to the acquisition of a new automated fertilizer blending line for which pre-shipment inspection was recently undertaken, arrangements have also been concluded to establish a limestone granulation plant in Benue.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia had also announced that the 2026 Fertilizer and Other Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise will be implemented across all the twenty-three Local Government Areas of Benue State to ensure equitable access and broad-based participation by farmers.
