Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is experiencing a resurgence in its agricultural prominence under the leadership of Governor Rev’d Fr Hyacinth Iormnem Alia, PhD. Known for its rich agricultural production, Benue had seen a steady decline in this sector due to the lack of political will and support in previous administrations. However, with Governor Alia at the helm since May 29, 2023, the state is on a determined path to reclaim its lost glory.
The Agricultural Heritage of Benue
Situated in the fertile Benue Valley, the state has always been ideal for the cultivation of crops such as rice, cassava, yams, tomatoes, pepper, and soya beans. The region’s vast swampy lands and river systems also make it a prime location for fish farming and animal husbandry. Despite this natural abundance, Benue’s agricultural sector had been on the decline, primarily due to inadequate farm inputs, poor infrastructure, and insecurity.
Governor Alia’s Transformative Approach
Governor Alia, who has spent 34 years of his priesthood in rural Benue communities where agriculture is the mainstay, was well aware of these challenges when he took office. To address these issues, he established the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation. This new bureau brought together two previously defunct agencies—the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) and the Benue Tractor Hiring Agency (BENTHA)—to revitalize the state’s agricultural sector.
The bureau’s mandate includes introducing farmers to smart agriculture, providing access to modern technology, new seeds, and farm inputs, and enhancing farmers’ productivity through better extension services. These initiatives have started to bear fruit, with agricultural activities bouncing back and yielding impressive results. This resurgence has made food more abundant in the state and beyond, while also boosting the incomes of farmers and investors in the sector.
Fertilizer Distribution and Farm Input Subsidies
One of the key actions taken by Governor Alia was the procurement and distribution of 100 trucks of inorganic fertilizers—amounting to 60,000 bags—for the 2023 farming season. These fertilizers were distributed across the state’s 23 local government areas, with plans to increase this support in future farming seasons. Additionally, the governor announced a 50% subsidy on fertilizer for Benue farmers, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity despite the ongoing security and economic challenges.
Governor Alia has also taken a firm stance against any attempts to sabotage the fertilizer distribution process. He issued strict orders to the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, ensuring fair and timely distribution to farmers, with severe penalties for anyone caught engaging in corrupt practices.
Empowering Women and Rural Communities
Understanding the importance of grassroots development, the administration has provided low-interest loans to 27,600 rural women across Benue. These loans empower women to start or expand their businesses, thereby improving their income levels and driving economic growth at the community level.
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Strategic Partnerships
In a bid to modernize agriculture and address climate-related challenges, Governor Alia commissioned 33 new tractors and disbursed N380 million ($250,000) to community interest groups for climate-smart agricultural activities under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) scheme. The state government also paid N1 billion as its counterpart fund for the ACReSAL programme, ensuring continued support for this vital initiative.
Governor Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to agricultural development, declaring the creation of ACReSAL as a new government agency focused on knowledge and skills transfer. He acknowledged the multiple challenges facing Benue—such as high poverty rates, environmental degradation, and low agricultural productivity—and emphasized the need for collective efforts to address these issues.
Future Prospects
For the 2024 farming season, the administration has procured over 180 truckloads of assorted fertilizers, which were distributed to farmers at subsidized rates. This marks the first time since 1982 that the government has provided such extensive support to farmers at subsidized rates as early as May.
Governor Alia’s administration has also renewed strategic partnerships with development agencies like the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), and ACReSAL. These collaborations are expected to bring new opportunities for value addition and agro-processing, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy.
Conclusion
Governor Alia’s proactive and strategic approach to agriculture is restoring Benue’s status as Nigeria’s food basket. His administration’s efforts to provide the necessary support to farmers, coupled with the introduction of smart agriculture and strategic partnerships, are driving the state towards a brighter, more prosperous future. As Benue continues to regain its agricultural glory, the positive impact on the state’s economy and the well-being of its residents is becoming increasingly evident.
