By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Managing Director, Benue State Agricultural Development Company, BSADC, Mr. Donald Aorkwagh Akule has said for the state to maintain its food basket of the nation status, the food basket model introduced by the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, which stresses cultivation after harvest must be strictly followed by farmers.
“And BSADC has evolved programs that are intended to teach farmers to keep in the farms all year round and make money for themselves, improve their living conditions and develop the State economy”.
Mr. Akule who spoke to THE AUTHORITY in his office on Friday decried the situation where farmers in the state go to rest after harvest waiting for another farming season, saying farming should not be seasonal but an all year round activity that includes the dry season.
“His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has directed that a policy on Agriculture be formed and brought to him for signing. This is aimed at curbing the issues which wittle down progress in agriculture in the state. It is hoped that this will end issues of uncoordinated inputs supply to farmers. We are putting a team together from farmers, technocrats, traditional rulers, the media, the clergy, women and the youths where we hope to draw ideas that would eventually be fine-tune into the policy”, Mr. Akule said.
According to the MD, “Agricultural Development Company was incorporated back in 1977 by the Federal government with three major liners; generate revenue, make sure that farmers have inputs and create jobs and also solve economic issues that are related to food”.
Citing the Israeli example of farming successfully in an equivalence of a sahel land, the MD pointed out that seasonal farming impoverish the farmers as they have to wait until a harvest in another year to be able to earn money.
“I want farmers to know that depleted land can be rejuvenated for better usage. The gap farmers allows farming in only one season per year is a threat to food security in the state. We have the land and the government is ready to support in all ways to ensure food security and value addition to farmers”.
The Managing Director who said BSADC is a resuscitation of the moribund ADC with a mandate to achieve the set goals of generating revenue, ensuring timely inputs to farmers thereby creating jobs and ensure stability in food production and security, explained that, BSADC has mapped out programs that will be proffering solutions for farmers to enable them thrive.
