The Benue State Government is partnering with the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) on pricing of agricultural commodities in the state.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Agricultural Development Company (ADC), Mr Donald Akule who made the disclosure on Monday in Makurdi, said that the partnership would enhance food security.
Akule restated the state government’s willingness to work with FACAN to mediate between the farmers and the government on the prices of commodities.
The MD said that the aim was to ensure that all farmers get value for their produce and also ensure food availability.
“We have declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. We want to make sure that every farmer gets value for what they produce.
“In the coming days we are going to roll out a template of how this produce can be bought or mopped by the ADC and to make sure that we fill up our silos and food banks,” he said.
Akule advised farmers to form cooperatives or groups for easy transactions, adding that the government would not work with individual farmers.
“Agriculture business is a collective business; it is a collaborative business. We are going to liaise with FACAN to make sure that we regulate the prices of grains.
“We will not recognise any person that is working in isolation. Any farmer that is not part of an organised working group would not be accepted,” he said.
FACAN State Coordinator, Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, said Benue farmers were ready to partner with government in the regulation of prices enable them get value for their produce.
Tarnongu said that their mandate was to ensure that the prices of commodities are set in such a way that both farmers and government make gains.
The new state coordinator assured government of FACAN’s commitment with ADC to boost agricultural production.
“We are ready to work closely with ADC to ensure food sufficiency.
“We solicit your support and cooperation for the association to succeed in its assignment,” he added.
NAN
