Why we spent N3.6b on Agriculture- Caleb Mutfwang

Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, stated that his government spent N3.6 billion to buy fertilizer and other farming supplies for the state’s farmers.

This was revealed by Mr. Mutfwang on Wednesday in Jos during a New Year State Broadcast.

According to the governor, the investment was made to increase the state’s food output and other agricultural endeavors.

In order to increase food production, our administration has spent more than N3.6 billion on fertilizers and other agricultural inputs so far, he said. In order to simplify resource allocation, we have created an online input distribution system and compiled a database of more than 300,000 farmers. It will shortly be launched.

The governor pointed out that his administration had made great progress in establishing Plateau as the epicentre.

The governor pointed out that his administration has made great strides in establishing Plateau as the nation’s agricultural hub.

READ ALSO: Bauchi’s Budget: PRP raises concern over N1bn..

“To onboard Plateau as a participating state in the development of the Special Agro Processing Zone, we have advanced discussions with the African Development Bank,” he said. With the establishment of feedlots by a private investor, BARC Farms has largely resumed operations.

Successful experiments for wheat, barley, and grasses including Brachiaria and Napier were carried out, paving the way for mass production in 2025. Construction on the renovated Kuru Livestock Centre is scheduled to start in January.

More than 6,000 hectares of land have been farmed through the Agricultural Services and Training Centers to help displaced communities reestablish their homes and means of subsistence.

Mr. Mutfwang stated to make it easier to export perishable vegetables and crops grown in our state, a deal had been reached to convert Yakubu Gowon Airport into a cargo airport.

He clarified that the Plateau commodities Marketing Company was also founded by his government to address issues with market information systems, warehousing, and commodities trading.

This program guarantees that farmers receive the full value of their produce and does away with the middlemen’s exploitative role. Our attempts to foster a positive business environment have drawn both domestic and foreign investment. The first rooms are anticipated to be available by December, he continued, adding that agreements have already been finalized for the revitalization of the Plateau Hotel and the Hill Station Hotel.