Benue Proposes N15bn For Acquisition of Grains

Benue State Government has announced it plans to acquire N15 billion worth of grains in readiness to tackle food sufficiency for Internally Displaced Persons and other emergencies in the state.

Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this while swearing in the 23 Gubernatorial Liaison Officers (GLO) in Makurdi, noting that the move was for the state to stop receiving food palliatives from the Federal Government, but rather complement such efforts by also sending food items to other needy states.

He said his administration has taken steps to improve dry season farming to ensure food security and charged Benue youths to register themselves with the Young Farmer’s Club (YFB), so as to benefit from numerous programs initiated to boost food production in the state.

“Records available indicate that Benue alone produced over 2002 metric tonnes of grains last year. My administration is targeting to produce over 900 metric tonnes this year.”

The governor also said he is working hard to develop the state, noting that what brings about development is good ideas, calling on those with such to bring them forward for consideration as there is no room for sharing money under his era.

“I spent most part of my life fighting for the poor masses and social justice and would not in any way turn around to do otherwise as governor of the state”, he assured.

While charging the GLOs to promote agriculture in their activities, he said the state requires data of farmers to help put Benue on the ladder of production in agriculture.