Benue launches mechanisation scheme for 10 farm clusters

The Benue State Government yesterday flagged off a pilot phase of its Agricultural Mechanisation Outgrower Programme aimed at boosting food production and creating wealth in the state.

The ceremony, held at the Bureau for Agricultural Development and Mechanisation in Makurdi, marked the beginning of a partnership between the state, Mass International & Equipment Nigeria Limited and SABASPAC International Limited under the Benue Agribusiness and Mechanisation Centre (BAMC).

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, said the scheme will directly benefit 10 farm clusters covering about 300 farmers, who will gain access to tractors, improved seeds, inputs and structured markets.

He described the initiative as “a gateway to prosperity and self-sufficiency,” adding that government’s direct engagement with manufacturers will lower costs and make subsidies more effective.

In a symbolic gesture, Alia handed over the first tractor key to the President of the Benue State Farmers Cooperative Federation.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Benjamin Ashaver, said the programme was a practical step to transform agriculture in Benue by increasing yields, creating wealth and providing opportunities for women and youths.

Mass International’s representative, Alhaji Mohammed Yaro, pledged support for the governor’s vision, disclosing plans to set up a tractor assembly and innovation hub in Benue that will create 5,000 jobs.

On his part, SABASPAC International’s Elias Ameh explained the outgrower cluster farm model designed to strengthen smallholder cooperatives, noting that over 120,000 farmers have already been captured in the programme’s database.

Farmers, through their cooperative federation, hailed the scheme and appealed for subsidies on tractors and inputs to make mechanised farming more accessible.