Farmers in Benue State has urged the state government to liaise with the local government chairmen and councilors at the ward levels in the distribution of the improved seedlings.
Benue State Government had on Thursday flagged off the distribution of improved seedlings to farmers in the State as a way of promoting commercial agriculture and adding value to agricultural production for export earning.
Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Aondongu Saaku told the Next Edition that it is only when they use the ward leaders in the distribution that the seedlings will get to the real farmers.
Mr. Saaku who commended government’s gesture towards the farmers, cautioned that If that is not done, government efforts will be lost because the seedlings, like in the past, will develop wings as those he described as “urban farmers” will grab them and sell off to other people rather than the real farmers.
Speaking earlier during the flag-off at premises of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Samuel Ortom harped on the need for the state to diversify to enhance food security.
He also, said that research carried out showed that Benue land is fertile for the cultivation of Water Melon which is consumed globally and urged the people to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We are distributing over 4,666 improved rice seedlings, 230 bags of maize, 690 water melon and 10,000 improved Cassava stems. The local government chairmen should encourage their people to cultivate water melon, cassava which are in high demand.
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“We have two (2) Chinese firms that have set up Ethanol Plants one is located close to Albinsi and another in Zaki-Biam in Ukum local government area. One of the company requires over 300 metric tonnes of cassava. Soon cassava will be in high demand and will be mopped up by these companies.
“By next week, government will flag-off fertilizer sales. It is expected that communities will pay 50 percent for Urea while NPK will attract 60 percent subsidy. I urge Benue people to make judicious use of improved seedlings to boost food production in the State.
“I urge the Federal Government to do everything possible to ensure that the displaced persons most of whom are farmers go back to their ancestral homes”, Governor Ortom appealed.
Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Barr. Kenneth Achabo lamented the destruction of farmlands in the State by continuous herders attacks on farmers, hoping that the seedlings which will be distributed to farmers free of charge will serve as palliatives to improve food production in the State.
