A new initiative to raise the bar in agricultural productivity has been unveiled in Benue State, Nigeria’s Food Basket. It is an initiative that seeks to ease the burden on farmers and significantly raise their productivity, income, and the resultant employment agriculture offers. It is a new beginning that will invariably advance the potential of agriculture in the state.
The launch of the Agricultural Mechanization Outgrower Programme on September 24, 2025 by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, represented by his Deputy, Sam Ode, is no doubt landmark initiative that will touch lives, transform agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The Benue State Government is running the programme in partnership with Mass International & Equipment Limited and SABASPAC to boost mechanised farming in the state.
The programme starts with 10 farmers clusters made up of 300 farmers. Each cluster will have a brand new tractor and modern farming equipment to boost mechanized farming for increased productivity among the smallholder farmers. It is the state government’s way of redeeming the food basket image of the state. This is being pushed through with the subsidized agricultural mechanization programme.
There will also be extension agents who will work hand-in-hand with farmers to guarantee efficiency, high production, and accountability in the use of the equipment.
Alia said, “I am aware that 10 clusters of farmers, comprising of about 300 farmers, will participate in this pilot scheme. The scheme will support farmers by integrating the farmers into a structured agricultural value chain.
“The programme is designed to improve agricultural productivity through mechanised agriculture, provision of inputs, technical support and structured guaranteed produce markets for the farmers.
“The objective of this programme is to boost food security, commercialise agriculture in Benue State, and boost economic independence amongst smallholder farmers.
“For today’s programme, farmers will be supported with agricultural implements and equipment, inputs, improved seedlings, extension agents, technicians, and tractor operators.”
These are critical components of modern farming as aptly explained by the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanization, Mrs. Dooshima Zaki, who said the initiative would grant farmers access to machinery, training, and technical support necessary for maximum output.
Benjamin Ashaver, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, said the initiative is a practical step in making agriculture more productive, and a continuation of the state government efforts to boost agricultural production, and empower youth and women to ensure inclusive growth.
The Director-General, Bureau for Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Ms Benita Shuluwa said
“The Governor Alia led administration has engaged in numerous agricultural activities which includes land clearing activities in partnership with Federal Government agencies such as the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to promote commercial farms in Benue.
“The governor has further supported IDPs through the creation of commercial farmlands for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to promote entrepreneurship and economic independence amongst them.
“As an agency of government promoting this initiative, smallholder farmer clusters shall off-take agricultural equipment/implements through a favourable structured payment plan to promote mechanised agriculture and boost productivity.
“We shall also create access to inputs such as improved seedlings and agrochemicals as well as access to modern agricultural best practices to enable our farmers to achieve the best results from their farming activities.”
Both the President of Mass International & Equipment Limited, Alhaji Muhammed Yaro, and the President, Benue Farmers Cooperative Societies Federation, Mr Elias Iorwuese, urged the Benue State Government to subsidize the tractors and other equipment in a bid to support and encourage Benue farmers.
An elated Iorwuese lauded the governor for efforts to transform agriculture in Benue State and promised farmers unalloyed support to the reelection bid of Governor Alia in 2027.
For the beneficiaries, the new scheme is a timely intervention that would reduce the burden of manual labour and expand access to commercial-scale farming.
Indeed, the farmers outgrowers programme is the pathway to food security, job creation, and wealth generation for the Benue people. It is a visionary initiative of Governor Alia to upgrade agricultural development to the next level, boost food security, create wealth, and reduce poverty, thereby liberating Benue farmers and energising the rural economy.
Bridget Tikyaa
is the Principal Special Assistant tp the Governor on Media, Publicity and Communications Strategy
