Benue Governor To Facilitate Education Of Farmers On New Farming Methods And Technologies

By Isaac Uzaan

The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has promised to facilitate education of Benue farmers on the adoption of new farming methods and technologies.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made the promise Thursday, July 06, 2023 while addressing participants at the National Agricultural Mechanization and Innovation Summit (NAMIS') organized by Coalition Network of Stakeholders in Agricultural Mechanization (CONESAM) in collaboration with Benue State Government, held at Benue Hotels, Makurdi.

He said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that Benue State continues to live up to her branding as the Food Basket of the Nation.

While acknowledging that Benue State is largely populated with small scale farmers, Governor Alia said it is pertinent to appreciate the fact that agriculture is not just a means of subsistence but  also a business that can generate income and create employment opportunities for women and the teeming youth.

The Governor identified inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, and lack of access to finance as some of the major challenges hindering the growth and development of agribusiness in Benue State.

He, however, promised to make greater investments in infrastructural development, ensure sufficient security for farmers, and foster favourable conditions for financial access. 

Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciated the organizers of the summit and urged Benue stakeholders in agricultural sector to take advantage of the submit and equip themselves with useful knowledge for enhanced agribusiness.in the state.

Earlier in a welcome address, Fidelis Unongo, a major stakeholder of Agricultural Mechanization in Benue State, underscored the importance of the summit and called on Nigerians to make use of the opportunity provided by CONESAM for improved agricultural productivity.

The Coalition Network of Stakeholders in Agricultural Mechanization (CONESAM) led by its Secretary, Fatima Garba Nuhu presented some of their products to the Governor, and the CONESAM Exco in Benue State was also inaugurated.