From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As part of efforts to address food insecurity and improve the economic conditions for farmers in Benue State, the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) has rolled out plans to off-take goods produced by Benue farmers across the state.
The Managing Director of BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed this during a meeting with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the Benue Traders Association and the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association.
Asemakaha emphasised the urgency of the initiative, noting that despite Benue being recognised as the “food basket of the nation,” food prices remain higher than in many neighbouring states.
He expressed concern about external buyers depleting local agro commodities, which not only affects cash retention within the state but also reduces the value farmers receive for their produce.
He said, “With the support of local traders, BIPC aims to position the state as a grain hub, facilitating the aggregation and sale of agricultural products to external buyers. We should be able to mop up this produce and sell it directly to traders from outside the state.”
“The BIPC will establish dedicated grain hubs where off-takers can purchase directly, ensuring farmers receive value for their money. This initiative will enforce standardised measurements and prompt payments upon delivery.”
The MD further stated that the introduced Warehouse Receipt System would ensure that these services are accessible throughout the state, guaranteeing farmers fair value for their produce.
He said, “This will protect our farmers and ensure they receive value for their money. We want farmers to know how much a unit costs for their produce.”
The initiative also aims to mitigate the risks farmers face in not receiving adequate compensation for their goods. BIPC plans to utilise Benue Sacks for agro commodities, allowing for the tracking and management of farm produce.
The President of the Benue Traders Association, Iormua Michael, commended Dr Asemakaha’s leadership initiatives and expressed commitment to supporting BIPC in achieving its objectives.
Other speakers, including the President of the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association, Manasseh Torsue, raised critical issues affecting market operations in Benue State. These included a lack of government involvement, inadequate market regulations, the absence of standard measurement scales, the promotion of customised sacks, high tax levies from unofficial sources, and numerous police checkpoints, all of which they identified as significant barriers to market efficiency.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Real Estate and Infrastructure, Builder Lucy Jato, expressed gratitude to members of the Benue Traders Association for their support and encouraged them to embrace the project wholeheartedly.
She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary farmers and boosting the state’s economy.
She said, “As this initiative takes shape, stakeholders remain optimistic that it will create a more favourable environment for agricultural trade, benefiting both farmers and the broader community in Benue State.”
“According to a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, 33.1 million people are projected to face food insecurity by 2025. Hence, BIPC is set to become the hub of agro commodities in the state.”