N-HYPPADEC distributes 90 power tillers to Benue communities
From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, on Thursday in Makurdi, distributed over 90 power tillers to 24 cooperatives in Benue State.
The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia for his continued support to initiatives that promote agricultural development and rural empowerment in the state.
The Managing Director, represented by Daniel Ipilakyaa, the Director Engineering and Technical Services, N-HYPPADEC, said Benue State as the “Food Basket of the Nation”, has immense agricultural potentials that require deliberate investment in modern farming techniques and equipment to fully unlock.
He said that the provision of the power tillers was part of steps by the Commission to support farmers.
He added that the initiative was also part of the Commission’s broader mandate to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of communities within hydroelectric.power producing areas.
“We are committed not only to.infrastructure development but also to empowering livelihoods, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable development.
“To the beneficiary cooperatives, these machines are entrusted to you for responsible and collective use. Proper maintenance and effective utilization will ensure that the benefits extend beyond individual farmers to entire communities”.
The State Coordinator, N-HYPPADEC, Mr Lee Ahenjir said the machines will help to boost agricultural production in the state and break the monopoly of the power tillers by some individuals to the detriment of most farmers.
He expressed confidence that the power tillers would significantly improve agricultural production in Benue State.
A traditional ruler Och’Agatu lauded N-HYPPADEC for their visibility in the rural areas especially in Agatu local government.
While ths Secretary to Benue State Government, Deborah Aber represented by Akor Abiem, Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Affairs, Cabinet Office praised N-HYPPADEC for complementing the State in boosting agricultural production, pledging that government will continue to partner with the Commission to work effectively in the state.
A beneficiary, Terna Tersoo from Katsina-Ala local government area appreciated N-HYPPADEC for the gesture, saying that it will reduce the burden of manual cultivation of their farms.
