By Aloysius Umalo
Benue State in 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, honouring outstanding farmers, attracting global partnerships, and boosting investment in the sector.
A weed scientist and agronomist, Hon. Samuel Tsenongo, disclosed during an interview that the event will 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 outstanding farmers and provide a platform for interaction 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 Benue State has produced crop varieties with unique qualities 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 experiments have shown that when these varieties are planted outside Benue, they fail to produce the same quality, while some do not survive to maturity.
According to Tsenongo, the uniqueness of Benue’s soil gives the state a comparative agricultural advantage, describing it as a divine blessing with exceptional characteristics suitable for crop production.
He also dismissed long-held beliefs that certain crops could not thrive in Benue, saying scientific evidence has disproved such claims.
According to him, crops such as cucumber, onions, ginger and watermelon now flourish in the state, with Benue-grown cucumbers recording larger sizes, ginger possessing stronger flavour, and watermelons being bigger and sweeter than those produced in many other parts of the country.
Speaking on the economic impact of these crops, Tsenongo said their cultivation has significantly improved farmers’ incomes while contributing to the state’s internally generated revenue through taxes and agricultural commerce.
He disclosed that the state government plans to expand the production of cucumber, onions, ginger and watermelon to further strengthen revenue generation and improve livelihoods.
He added that the government has already created a ready market for oranges through the Benue Fruit Juice Company, but noted that current production of oranges remains insufficient to satisfy 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 from the farm.
He explained that pest attacks often commence 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 has introduced technological interventions to reduce post-harvest losses, citing the organised purchase of oranges from farmers to guarantee supply for the Benue Fruit Juice Company.
Highlighting the administration’s support for farmers, he said Governor Alia’s government has continued to invest heavily 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 covering all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the fertilisers, subsidised at ₦28,000 per bag, are suitable for cereals, roots, tubers and other crops, adding that every Local Government has received adequate allocation to meet the demand of the local Communities.
Tsenongo further disclosed that arrangements are 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 the highest quality standards by Star Fertilizers 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.
