Benue Government Distributes Improved Seeds To LGs

Benue State Government on Saturday  flagged off the distribution of improved seeds to the 23 local governments areas in the state.

The state governor, Samuel Ortom while performing the ceremony at the headquarters of the Bureau of Local Government and Chiefteincy Affairs, Makurdi tasked the Council Chairmen to ensure that the improved seeds are given to genuine farmers for onward cultivation in this year's farming season.

The improved seeds flagged off for distribution include, 6,900 bags of rice, 833 bags of maize, 1,000 tins of watermelon seeds, 333 bags of sorghum and 11,000 bundles of cassava stems. 

Ortom commended the Bureau of Local Government and Chiefteincy Affairs under the leadership of the Special Adviser, Barrister Kenneth Achabo for initiating and sustaining the agricultural programme, saying he was impressed with the results achieved in two years.

He called on the people to key into the programme, noting that it has added economic value towards boosting the agriculture sub-sector for food security.

The Governor pointed out that with two private investors in Makurdi and Ukum as offtakers in cassava processing as its major raw material, the product was already in short supply, calling on the people to engage in profitable agriculture.

He directed the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chiefteincy Affairs to laise with the Agriculture Departments of Local Governments to organize a seminar for farmers on best modes of cultivation of the improved seeds to produce the needed result.

Earlier, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kenneth Achabo lauded Governor Ortom for the premium the Governor has placed on agriculture.

Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Local Government and Chiefteincy Affairs, represented by a Committe Member, Hon Geoffrey Agbatse appraised Governor Ortom for rural transformation, appealing to the local government Chairmen to ensure that the seeds are used properly.