The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has launched the 2026 fertiliser and farm inputs distribution programme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security, increased agricultural productivity, rural prosperity and economic growth across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Alia described the initiative as more than a seasonal agricultural programme.
He said that ” it reflects the government’s broader vision to reposition agriculture as the foundation of sustainable economic development in the state.”
The Governor noted that Benue’s reputation as the “Food Basket of the Nation” was built through the resilience and dedication of local farmers who continue to contribute significantly to feeding both the state and Nigeria.
Governor Alia explained that “the administration has identified rising production costs, limited access to quality farm inputs, and other structural challenges affecting farmers and responded with targeted policies aimed at increasing productivity, improving incomes, and strengthening the agricultural value chain.”
He said that as part of the 2026 intervention, the fertiliser and input distribution exercise would be implemented across all 23 Local Government Areas to guarantee equitable access and encourage broad participation.
Governor Alia announced that the programme has been expanded this year to increase impact.
Improved farm inputs
According to him, apart from making larger quantities of fertiliser available to meet growing demand of farmers, the government will also distribute improved seedlings, herbicides, and other essential farm inputs to boost yields and improve productivity.
He said to ensure transparency and efficiency, the state government has strengthened distribution mechanisms to guarantee timely delivery of inputs directly to genuine farmers.
The Governor further disclosed that “fertiliser under the programme will be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of ₦28,000 per bag, while the Benue State Government covers the remaining ₦28,000 subsidy per bag.”
He emphasised that the administration’s agricultural agenda extends beyond input distribution and includes investments in rural road infrastructure, irrigation systems, agro-processing and value addition, farmer and agribusiness training programmes, as well as strategic partnerships to attract agricultural investment.
Governor Alia assured farmers of continued government support and urged beneficiaries to utilise the inputs responsibly while complying with established guidelines.
He also urged officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and all personnel involved in the exercise to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability, warning against diversion or exploitation.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Benjamin Ashaver described the programme as a bold demonstration of Governor Alia’s commitment to improving the welfare of Benue farmers and strengthening food security.
Ashaver explained that “despite global economic pressures and rising fertiliser costs influenced by international market conditions and geopolitical developments, the state government had completed arrangements to procure fertilisers, improved seeds, agro-chemicals, and knapsack sprayers through a transparent process.”
He assured farmers that all supplied inputs had undergone strict quality checks and stated that only approved contractors and suppliers would participate in the exercise.
The Commissioner emphasised that the inputs were strictly intended for genuine farming activities and warned against diversion or resale.
He also encouraged youths and women to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, stressing that the future of the sector lies in innovation, mechanisation, technology, and agribusiness development.
Representing Star Fertiliser and Chemicals Limited, Mr. Julius Atorough commended the Benue State Government for the timely commencement of fertiliser distribution at the onset of the rainy season.
He disclosed that under previous supply arrangements, the company delivered part of the contracted fertiliser volume during the dry season and has commenced distribution of additional supplies across the state for the current farming season.
Atorough noted that global market disruptions and rising international fertiliser prices had created operational challenges but assured that the company remains committed to delivering quality products to Benue farmers.
He further announced plans to expand production capacity through a new automated fertiliser blending line and revealed ongoing arrangements to establish a limestone granulating plant in Benue to support fertiliser production and create additional economic opportunities.
He particularly praised the introduction of the cashless fertiliser payment system, describing it as a major step towards improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fertilizer distribution across the state.
Atorough renewed calls for stakeholders, farmers, development partners, and private sector actors to work together to strengthen Benue’s position as Nigeria’s leading agricultural hub and drive greater prosperity for rural communities.
