Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Saturday flagged off the distribution of improved seeds to 23 local government areas in the State to boost food production.
The Governor while speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Makurdi, expressed that the decision was to add to the economic value of the state towards boosting the agriculture sub-sector for food security.
He directed the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to liaise with the Agriculture Departments of Local Governments to organize a seminar for farmers on best modes of cultivating the improved seeds to produce the needed result.
While urging the Council Chairmen to ensure the improved seeds are given to genuine farmers for onward cultivation in this year’s farming season, Ortom noted that with two private investors in Makurdi and Ukum as off-takers in cassava processing as its major raw material, the product was already in short supply and called on the people to engage in profitable agricultural produce.
Earlier, the Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Kenneth Achabo lauded the Governor for the premium placed on agriculture.
Responding on behalf of the 23 Council Chairmen, Dr Mike Ubah, Chairman Guma local government appreciated the Bureau for local government for the initiative to boost agricultural production.
Our correspondent reports that the improved seeds were, 6,900 bags of rice, 833 bags of maize, 1,000 tins of watermelon seeds, 333 bags of sorghum and 11,000 bundles of cassava stems.
Add Comment