Benue State, North Central Nigeria, has announced plans to host the maiden edition of its Annual International Farmers Day, a landmark event aimed at showcasing the state’s agricultural potential, recognising outstanding farmers, attracting international partnerships and boosting investment in the sector.
A weed scientist and agronomist, Mr Samuel Tsenongo, disclosed this during an interview, saying the event would bring together international agricultural stakeholders, manufacturers, renowned agronomists, researchers, innovators and farmers to explore opportunities for transforming agriculture in Benue State.
He said the celebration would also feature awards for exceptional farmers and provide a platform for engagement with international partners and experts on modern agricultural practices.
Tsenongo called on the people of Benue State to support the agricultural transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia, describing it as a strategic pathway to economic growth, food security and job creation.
The agronomist revealed that scientific research conducted in the state has produced crop varieties with unique characteristics that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
According to him, some varieties of mangoes and oranges developed through research at the College of Agriculture, Yandev, in Gboko, possess distinctive taste, aroma, size and quality when cultivated on Benue soil.
He explained that trials have shown that when these varieties are planted outside the state, they fail to produce the same quality, while some do not survive to maturity.
Tsenongo attributed this uniqueness to the state’s fertile soil, describing it as a natural advantage with exceptional qualities that support agricultural productivity.
He also dismissed the long-held belief that certain crops could not thrive in Benue, saying scientific evidence had disproved such claims.
According to him, crops such as cucumber, onion, ginger and watermelon now flourish in the state, with Benue-grown cucumbers producing larger fruits, ginger having a stronger flavour, and watermelons being bigger and sweeter than those cultivated in many other parts of the country.
Speaking on the economic impact of these crops, Tsenongo said their cultivation had significantly improved farmers’ incomes while contributing to the state’s internally generated revenue through taxes and agricultural trade.
He disclosed that the state government plans to expand the cultivation of cucumber, onion, ginger and watermelon to further strengthen revenue generation and improve livelihoods.
He added that the government had already created a ready market for oranges through the Benue Fruit Juice Company but noted that current production remains insufficient to meet the factory’s processing capacity.
On post-harvest losses, the agronomist attributed the challenge largely to poor agronomic practices, stressing that effective crop management must begin on the farm.
He explained that pest infestation often starts before harvest and emphasised the importance of timely harvesting, proper handling, threshing, winnowing, packaging and storage to minimise losses.
Tsenongo said the Benue State Government had introduced technological interventions to reduce post-harvest losses, including the organised purchase of oranges from farmers to guarantee a steady supply to the Benue Fruit Juice Company.
Highlighting the administration’s support for farmers, he said Governor Alia’s government had continued to invest significantly in agricultural inputs to increase food production across the state.
He recalled that within the administration’s first 100 days, fertilisers, improved seeds, pesticides, herbicides and other farm inputs were distributed to farmers through the Bureau of Agricultural Development and Mechanisation, describing the initiative as unprecedented in the state’s history.
According to him, fertiliser distribution for the current farming season has already commenced across 28 centres serving all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the fertiliser, subsidised at ₦28,000 per bag, is suitable for cereals, roots, tubers and other crops, adding that every Local Government Area has received adequate allocations to meet farmers’ needs.
Tsenongo further disclosed that arrangements were at an advanced stage for the procurement and distribution of additional agricultural inputs, including improved seeds, sprayers, agrochemicals and specialised fertilisers to enhance food production.
Defending the pricing of the fertiliser, he maintained that although it may cost more than products sold in some neighbouring states, the Benue fertiliser is blended to high-quality standards by Star Fertilisers Company and contains superior active ingredients.
“I challenge anyone in doubt to take samples of the fertiliser to any laboratory in the world for analysis and verification,” he said.
