From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Benue State Government yesterday commenced the distribution of improved seedlings to farmers in the state as a way of promoting commercial agriculture.
Flagging-off the distribution at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Governor Samuel Ortom stressed the need for the state to diversify to enhance food security.
Governor Ortom said by doing so, the State is trying to add value to agicultural production for export earning.
He also said that research carried out showed that the state is rich in the cultivation of water melon which is consumed globally and urged the people to take advantage and explore the avenue.
“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. 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.
