Benue gov’t to establish grain reserves, train farmers on ginger production

The Benue State Government has unveiled plans to establish a grain reserve system with storage facilities across the state’s 23 local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen food security, minimise post-harvest losses and stabilise agricultural produce prices.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Benjamin Ashaver, disclosed this on Tuesday during the second-quarter agricultural sector technical coordination meeting held in Makurdi.

Ashaver said the initiative forms part of the state government’s strategy to improve agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food availability.

He also announced that the ministry would commence training for farmers on ginger production while implementing measures to preserve the state’s indigenous ginger varieties through appropriate policies and effective monitoring.

According to the commissioner, the ongoing cultivation of Lapia Grass across the state is gathering momentum and is expected to enhance livestock production.

Ashaver reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting inclusive agricultural development, strengthening food security and attracting agribusiness investments through partnerships with relevant stakeholders and development partners.

He added that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains committed to ensuring transparency and equity in the distribution of agricultural inputs, stressing that government interventions would reach farming communities in all council wards across the state.