The Federal Government (FG) through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has donated 60 trucks of fertilizers to Benue farmers for the 2024 cropping season.
The state Gov.Hyacith Alia, made the disclosure during the flag off ceremony of the 2024 cropping season and distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The governor stressed that the inputs were meant to be distributed to only genuine and registered farmers free of charge, saying that with the development yields and revenue would be increased thereby strengthening food security.
Alia called on farmers to embrace Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in order to enhance their yields toward stepping up their income.
He also advised young people to embrace agriculture for their overall good, revealing that his administration wants to empower and make the young people rich through agriculture.
“Already there are funds to help young people to eke a livings through agriculture.
“You can form cooperative societies in order to access the funds. The composition of the cooperatives can range from 10 to at most 15 members.
“We will also provide tractor services for you for free and give you improved seedlings. The federal government and the state government means so well for her citizenry.
“I advice you to sow seeds of prosperity today for bountiful harvest tomorrow,” Alia said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Moses Ogbaji, commended the governor for giving the ministry unprecedented support.
Ogbaji further appreciated Alia for prompt payment of counterpart funding for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Bank among others.
He said that the governor through the ministry had reactivated the swine project at the Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev in Gboko Local Government Area (LGA), Benue.