Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has officially launched the distribution and sale of Benue State customized sacks, aimed at benefiting farmers and traders across the state. The launch event took place on Friday at the Ultra Modern International Market in Makurdi.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, Governor Alia explained that the production of these customized sacks is a strategic initiative to enhance the value of farm produce for Benue farmers. The sacks have been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of local farmers, addressing long-standing issues they face in marketing their produce.
Governor Alia expressed confidence that this move would mitigate the exploitation of farmers by middlemen, ensuring they receive fair value for their hard work. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to encourage agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Benue State. The governor assured farmers that the challenges they have faced in the past would soon be a thing of the past.
The full implementation of the new sacks is set to begin on October 1, 2024. From this date, only the state-customized sacks will be permitted for use, ensuring uniformity and standardization in the packaging and sale of agricultural products within the state.
Manasseh Alumo Orpin, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, commended Governor Alia for his visionary efforts in transforming the state’s agricultural sector. He noted that the governor’s initiatives are fostering productivity and progress throughout Benue State, and called for collective support to help ensure the governor’s success.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government Coordination and Monitoring, Isaac Akaangee, also spoke at the event, highlighting that the introduction of these sacks would guarantee farmers receive the appropriate value for their produce. He mentioned that measures have been put in place to prevent any form of sabotage, with monitoring officers deployed to oversee the implementation and prevent any excesses or infiltration.
Manasseh Torsue, representing the Benue State Farmers and Traders Protection Association, hailed the introduction of the state-owned sacks as a positive development for farmers. He shared the hardships that farmers have faced in the past and expressed optimism that Governor Alia’s initiatives would continue to favor the agricultural community in Benue.
Joseph Chiahemba, Director of Senajjcks Global Resources, the company responsible for producing the sacks, thanked the state government for their support and partnership. He emphasized that this initiative not only supports local business but also aims to provide the sacks at a moderate and affordable price, further supporting the farmers.
The customized sacks represent a significant step toward empowering Benue State farmers, enhancing the value chain of agricultural produce, and promoting food security. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s agricultural sector, ensuring that farmers receive the full benefits of their labor.
