By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State in North Central Nigeria has formally launched the 2026 Fertilizer and Other Farm Inputs Sales and Distribution Exercise, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security, agricultural productivity, rural prosperity, and economic growth across Benue State.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Alia described the initiative as more than a seasonal agricultural programme, saying it reflects the government’s broader vision to reposition agriculture as the foundation of sustainable economic development in the state.
He 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 informed that as part of the 2026 intervention, the fertilizer and input distribution exercise will 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.
According to him, apart from making larger quantities of fertilizer 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 fertilizer under the programme will be sold to farmers at a subsidized rate of ₦28,000 per bag, while the Benue State Government covers the remaining ₦28,000 subsidy per bag.
He emphasized 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 utilize the inputs responsibly while complying with established guidelines.
He also charged officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and all personnel involved in the exercise to uphold integrity, fairness, and accountability, warning against diversion or exploitation.
Earlier, 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 fertilizer costs influenced by international market conditions and geopolitical developments, the state government had completed arrangements to procure fertilizers, 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 emphasized 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, mechanization, technology, and agribusiness development.
Representing Star Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, Mr. Julius Atorough commended the Benue State Government for the timely commencement of fertilizer distribution at the onset of the rainy season.
He disclosed that under previous supply arrangements, the company delivered part of the contracted fertilizer 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 fertilizer 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 fertilizer blending line and revealed ongoing arrangements to establish a limestone granulating plant in Benue to support fertilizer production and create additional economic opportunities.
He particularly praised the introduction of the cashless fertilizer 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.