May 10, (THEWILL) – The Benue State Government has said that the ongoing construction of a tractor assembly plant in Makurdi will significantly enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food sufficiency, and improve the economic wellbeing of farmers across the state and beyond.
Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Odeh made this known during the Benue International Economic Investment Summit in Makurdi. He explained that the initiative by the Alia-led administration is a deliberate effort to promote large-scale mechanized and irrigation farming, with a focus on processing, packaging, and export.
“With our energetic youth population, Benue is ready to take off. The government is open to private sector participation, particularly in health, education, and agriculture. We urge investors to take advantage of the peaceful environment and invest in the state,” Odeh said.
He further encouraged investors to establish juice factories, soybean processing facilities, and yam-based industries, noting that the state is rich in raw materials.
Meanwhile, the state government has distributed over 9,000 units of agrochemicals at subsidized rates to farmers across the 23 local government areas.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, while addressing Divisional Agriculture Officers, said Governor Hyacinth Alia procured large quantities of herbicides to ensure that each local government receives at least 400 cartons.
He added that a centralized distribution system has been adopted—directly from the ministry to the Divisional Agriculture Officers—to ensure that the intended beneficiaries are not shortchanged.
Prof. Ogbaji also disclosed that local councils have been given the liberty to select products best suited for their local farming needs.
