The Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, is to establish grain hubs across Benue State and also commence the off-taking of farm produce from farmers in the state to ensure food security and help improve the earnings and livelihoods of farmers in the state.
The Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha made this known when he hosted key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the leadership and members of Benue Traders Association, BTA, and that of the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association, BFTPDA, in Makurdi.
He said the initiative would not only help tackle the menace of food scarcity but would go a long way to transform the economic condition of farmers in the state.
Dr. Asemakaha who decried the high cost of food in the state when compared to neighbouring states despite the state’s tag as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation’ noted with worry the adverse effect of external buyers taking undue advantage of farmers when making purchases which invariably affect what farmers earn from their produce.
He assured that the initiative would be a win win for all emphasising that “with the support of local traders, BIPC aims to position the state as a grain hub, facilitating the aggregation and sale of agricultural products to external buyers. We should be able to mop up this produce and sell it directly to traders from outside the state.
“The BIPC is to establish dedicated grain hubs where off-takers can purchase directly, ensuring farmers receive value for their money. This initiative will also enforce standardized measurements and prompt payments upon delivery.”
The Managing Director noted also that the introduction of Warehouse Receipt System “will ensure that the services are accessible throughout the state and guaranteeing that farmers receive fair value for their produce. This will not only protect the farmers, we want the farmers to know the unit cost of their produce.”
He stated that BIPC also intends to utilize Benue sacs for agro commodities to allow for the tracking and management of farm produce, noting that “the initiative aims to mitigate the risks farmers face in not receiving adequate compensation for their goods.”
The President of the BTA, Michael Iormua lauded Dr. Asemakaha’s initiatives and foresightedness and gave his commitment to supporting BIPC to achieve its objectives.
Others, including the President of BFTPDA, Manasseh Torsue, pointed out issues negatively affecting market operations in Benue state citing lack of government involvement, inadequate market regulations, the absence of standard measurement scales, the promotion of customized sacs, high tax levies from unofficial sources, and numerous police checkpoints on roads among others.
The General Manager of Real Estate and Infrastructure, Lucy Jato expressed gratitude to the members of BTA for their support and urged them to embrace the project wholeheartedly.
She pointed out that the initiative which aim at enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary farmers and boost the state’s economy aligns with the transformation agenda of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
She said, “as this initiative takes shape, stakeholders should remain optimistic that it will create a more favourable environment for agricultural trade, benefiting both farmers and the broader community in Benue State.”
She recalled a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, that 33.1 million people are projected to face food insecurity by 2025; “hence, BIPC is set to be the hub of agro commodities in the state.”