By Abiodun Abdullai
The Benue State Government has unveiled a pilot Agricultural Mechanisation Outgrower Programme aimed at restoring the state's status as Nigeria's food basket and supporting smallholder farmers.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy Sam Ode, said the initiative will make mechanisation more affordable through partnerships with private investors, including Mass International, Equipment Nigeria Limited and SABASPAC International Limited.
At the launch in Makurdi, the governor presented the first tractor key to the president of the Benue State Farmers' Cooperative Federation, underscoring government's commitment to farmer prosperity and food security.
The scheme will cover 10 farm clusters and benefit about 300 farmers, offering access to tractors, improved seeds, inputs and structured markets. Officials said the project is also expected to create thousands of jobs for youths and women.
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Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Benjamin Ashaver, described the programme as a turning point for Benue's agricultural sector, while the Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation noted it had provided subsidised inputs and mechanisation support to prepare farmers for the scheme.
Mass International also announced plans to set up a tractor assembly and innovation hub in the state, projected to generate 5,000 jobs. Farmers will have access to flexible repayment options and a 50% subsidy on equipment purchases.
The Agribusiness and Mechanisation Centre, which anchors the initiative, will serve as a hub for technology transfer, farmer training and modern agricultural practices designed to reduce drudgery, raise productivity and promote sustainability.
Stakeholders at the event urged farmers to embrace mechanisation to improve yields, boost incomes and contribute to Nigeria's food security agenda.
