From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State government has reiterated its commitment to push for stronger collaboration among government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to advance women empowerment through agriculture.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, who stated this alongside his counterpart from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ikwue during a meeting, emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve the goals of the Hyacinth Alia-led administration.
Ashaver assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to provide technical support for farming schemes by individuals and groups across the state.
The meeting was attended by leaders of agencies under the ministry and they discussed ways to boost women empowerment through agriculture.
In her remarks, the commissioner for women affairs and social welfare revealed that the ministry plans to acquire 500 hectares of land to empower women through the cultivation of improved seedlings for crops such as ginger, Bambara nut, soybeans and others.
The delegation, which included representatives of the National Council of Women Societies, Bishop Collins Foundation, Sun Flower Initiative and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, sought collaboration and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture to actualise their laudable initiatives.
The meeting also discussed the reclamation of agricultural lands belonging to the state and the allocation of suitable lands to genuine groups and investors to support their agricultural initiatives.
In a separate meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of Gitako Limited, Mr Ekele James introduced the company’s “Grains Assured” programme which he noted is aimed at improving grain quality across the state.
He expressed concern over the declining oil content in Benue soybeans, attributing the trend to sharp practices by some farmers and middlemen, as well as the recycling of seedlings.
James proposed stakeholders workshops, formation of a technical task force and structured farmers training programmes to restore standards in grain production.
He disclosed that Gitako Limited had already indicated interest to acquire 800 hectares of land for the cultivation of various grains within the state.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Elijah Ogaagbanu expressed delight with the level of commitment exhibited by the groups and encouraged them to continue to engage the ministry for more gains.
