The Benue State government is partnering with the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) on the pricing of agricultural commodities in the state.

Donald Akule, managing director and chief executive officer of Agricultural Development Company (ADC), disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi, saying the partnership would enhance food security.

Mr Akule restated the state government’s willingness to work with FACAN to mediate between the farmers and the government on the prices of commodities.

The MD said the aim was to ensure that all farmers get value for their produce and food availability.

“We have declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. We want to make sure that every farmer gets value for what they produce.

“In the coming days, we are going to roll out a template of how this produce can be bought or mopped by the ADC and to make sure that we fill up our silos and food banks,” he said.

Mr Akule advised farmers to form cooperatives or groups for easy transactions, adding that the government would not work with individual farmers.

“Agriculture business is a collective business; it is a collaborative business. We are going to liaise with FACAN to make sure that we regulate the prices of grains.

“We will not recognise any person that is working in isolation. Any farmer that is not part of an organised working group would not be accepted,” he said.

FACAN state coordinator Vitalis Tarnongu said Benue farmers were ready to partner with the government in the regulation of prices to enable them to get value for their produce.

Mr Tarnongu said their mandate was to ensure the prices of commodities are set in such a way that both farmers and the government make gains.

The new state coordinator assured the government of FACAN’s commitment with ADC to boost agricultural production.

“We are ready to work closely with ADC to ensure food sufficiency.

“We solicit your support and cooperation for the association to succeed in its assignment,” he added.

(NAN)