Agriculture
THE Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BSADC) says it will build sustainable agrotechnology systems and inspire the teeming youths to venture into large-scale commercial agriculture production to boost the state economy.
BSADC’s newly appointed Managing Director, Dr Donald Akule, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Makurdi at a two-day retreat organised by the company tagged “Food Basket Model.”.
Akule said that the initiative was imperative to attract and retain youth in the sector for Benue to incontrovertibly remain the food basket of the nation.
He stated that the company would Innovate, Inspire, and Impact (3i)” the youth to participate in agriculture.
The M-D added that the initiative would ensure food security, using the food basket model as a tool for intergenerational transfer of wealth with the slogan, “Our land, Our Oil”.
He said that they would commence with the Existing Project Revamp Strategy (EPRS), where details about the key projects associated with BSADC that were currently in comatose would be discussed.
Akule listed the projects in comatose to include Apir Integrated Farm, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Farms, Feed Mills and Silos, Livestock Investigation Centre, Ikyogen Cattle Ranch, and Goat Ranch Niegev and Agricultural Training Centres, among others.
“We need to, through the workshop, develop a strategy to revamp and restore them to full operational capacity.
“This retreat serves as a crucial opportunity for us to step back from our daily tasks, engage in meaningful discussions, and implement the strategy of various food empowerment initiatives.
“We will explore simple regenerative agricultural models that will empower the local farmers, propel mechanisation, eliminate post-harvest losses, and stimulate the economy.
“Our mission is to transform Benue into a leading hub of sustainable agriculture, leveraging people-centred and value chain approaches to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and strengthen food security.”
The managing director thanked
Gov. Hyacinth Alia for the confidence reposed on them and the opportunity to serve the state.
He stated that the collective wisdom of the stakeholders would guide them in shaping the future of agriculture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat was attended by agricultural stakeholders from both the private and public sectors.
NAN also reports that the facilitators were carefully put together to chat a new course for agribusiness. (NAN)
18th December, 2024.
C.E.
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