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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has flagged off the 2025 cropping season and distribution of subsidised fertilisers and other farm inputs with a vow to produce millionaire farmers within the state.
Alia, who spoke in Makurdi, the state capital, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s agriculture, saying he plans to produce hundreds of millionaire farmers within the next two years.
He stated that his administration’s priority was to reposition Benue as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse by supporting young farmers with improved inputs and mechanisation.
The Governor, who apologised for the delay in the flag-off, announced that the state had finalised arrangements to pay over N5 billion owed to genuine fertiliser suppliers from the previous season, noting that the delay was caused by fraudulent practices of some vendors in 2024.
“We want to make hundreds of millionaires from farming. Young farmers should take advantage of this support. Farming is where our money is, and it is where Benue’s pride lies.”
He further disclosed that the state had adopted a new agricultural calendar, with wet season farm inputs distributed between April and June, and dry season inputs between November and January, to ensure timely access for farmers.
He said as part of the 2025 programme, the government was making available 9,000 metric tonnes (600 truckloads) of fertilisers, including NPK, Urea and SSP, valued at N16.8 billion, with a 50 percent subsidy provided by the state.
He said farmers would, therefore, access fertiliser at N22,500 per bag, while the government covers the balance.
The Governor also pledged that from December, no oranges would be exported out of Benue in raw form, as the state’s new fruit processing factory would mop up oranges in the state and add value to local produce.
While calling on Benue youths to embrace farming, Governor Alia reiterated that Benue must maintain its number one position in soybean production nationwide.
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He said: “This is your state. This is your Benue. Let us think differently, be patriotic, and make agriculture the pride of our land. Together, we will make Benue the agricultural powerhouse it is destined to be.”
He announced that 300 bags of fertiliser would be given to widows present at the event, while farmers’ cooperatives were urged to ensure transparent distribution among members.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, highlighted the reforms to eliminate corruption in farm input distribution.
He said: “Henceforth, all fertiliser sales will be processed cashlessly through POS terminals at accredited centres, with payments made directly to the suppliers’ accounts.
“These reforms will ensure only genuine farmers benefit from the government’s subsidies. We are also building a credible farmers’ register and deploying a hybrid digital platform to enhance transparency, close extension service gaps and provide real-time support to farmers.”
Ashaver commended farmers for their resilience and urged them to embrace improved seeds and modern techniques rather than relying on local grains for planting.
The CEO of Star Fertiliser, Dr. Julius Atorough, assured stakeholders that adulterated fertiliser will now be a thing of the past, explaining that the company had invested massively to revive the moribund Benue Fertiliser Plant. He pledged to produce crop-specific fertilisers suited for the soil in the state.
He assured that, “From today, Benue farmers can be sure of getting quality fertilisers. We will establish outlets across the state to end the circulation of fake products. Hold us accountable for our promise.”
The Benue State House of Assembly committee chairman on Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Shimawua, described the input distribution exercise as a vital support ritual for farmers, assuring the Commissioner of Agriculture of the Assembly’s backing.
Also, the Ter Lobi, Moses Anagende, lauded the government’s efforts in addressing both agricultural challenges and security concerns, noting that farmers in many areas are already feeling safer to return to their fields.
