Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has launched the 2026 fertiliser, farm inputs sales and distribution, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security, agricultural productivity and rural development.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday in Makurdi, Mr Alia described the exercise as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening agricultural production and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.

Mr Alia said the programme was not merely a seasonal agricultural activity but a demonstration of his administration’s determination to reposition agriculture as the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth in Benue.

He disclosed that Benue’s status as the “Food Basket of the Nation” was earned through the resilience and hard work of its farmers and pledged continued support to ensure they have access to quality agricultural inputs.

He added that beyond NPK and urea fertilisers, the government would also provide improved seedlings, herbicides and other essential agricultural inputs to boost yields and enhance farm productivity.

The governor said measures had been put in place to strengthen the distribution framework and ensure transparency, accountability and timely delivery of inputs to genuine farmers.

He disclosed that fertiliser would be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of N28,000 per bag, while the state government would pay the remaining N32,000 to cover the actual cost.

Mr Alia said his administration remained committed to building a modern, resilient and commercially viable agricultural sector capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and driving economic growth.

He listed ongoing investments in rural roads, irrigation and water management systems, agro-processing and value-addition programmes, capacity-building initiatives for farmers and strategic partnerships designed to attract investment into the sector.

The governor urged farmers to make effective use of the inputs provided and comply with established guidelines to ensure the success of the programme.

He also warned officials involved in the distribution exercise against diversion, favouritism and exploitation, stressing that every input procured under the programme must reach the intended beneficiaries.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Benjamin Ashaver, said the exercise reflected the commitment of the Alia administration to the prosperity of farmers and food security in the state.

Mr Ashaver noted that rising global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in parts of the Middle East, had contributed to increased prices of agricultural inputs worldwide.

The commissioner assured farmers that all inputs supplied under the programme had undergone rigorous quality checks and met standards set by the ministry.

He said adequate distribution mechanisms had been established to ensure that farmers in all parts of the state benefited from the intervention.

Mr Ashaver warned beneficiaries against diverting or reselling the inputs, emphasising that they were strictly meant for genuine farmers and agricultural purposes.

He also urged agro-dealers and input suppliers to maintain integrity, avoid hoarding and price manipulation, and ensure that only approved products reached farmers. 

(NAN)