Ahead of 2024 farming season: Taraba plans to distribute tractors to farmers, woo investors for yam processing

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By Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo

Towards achieving bumper harvest ahead of 2024 cropping season, Taraba State Government has concluded plans to make provision of tractors available to farmers in the state at subsidized rates, and to establish yam processing industry in that direction.

State Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Prof. Nicholas Oliver Nimessan disclosed this at the annual reopening of Wukari Yam market for commencement of sales.

He said in recognition of the important role of Wukari Yam market in the agricultural development of the state, the ministry will continue its policy of supporting farmers with special allocation of assorted fertilizers and other agro-allied input every cropping season as incentive for increased yam production.

The Commissioner represented by permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Sale Pavali assured that the ministry will not relent on these support even as efforts are being put in place to render more support to farmers ahead of next year’s cropping season and beyond.

According to him, in line with Governor Agbu Kefas policy on the agricultural sector, the ministry will not leave any stone unturned until the state achieves its dream in enhancing food security of the state and the north-east region as a whole.

Professor Namessan who solicited their support towards government policy in the state said, Gov. Kefas Administration places high priority on yam production just as he said, yam remain one of the major crops being cultivated by farmers as well as a value chain crop that provides steady food, create wealth and burst internally generated revenue (IGR) to local and state government.

He further disclosed that, the state government has step up plans to upgrade the market to meet up standard through provision of electricity, conveniences and water, assuring that more supports from state government palliative care committee in the area of free distribution of seeds, assorted fertilizers and agro chemicals among others will soon be available.

On its part, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Peter George, who appreciated Gov. Kefas for putting high premium on the agricultural sector, described the move as a welcome development, noting that the agricultural sector guarantees a viable alternative economic pillar to the non-sustainable oil product.

Hon George who lauded efforts of the yam farmers in the area said the ministry was making concerted effort to woo investors that will establish a yam processing industry in order to add greater value to the yam production in Wukari and the state at large.

The commissioner who described Wukari international market as an important economic asset of the state noted that its patronage extends beyond national boundaries while he further disclosed that the yam association will soon be inaugurated with other produce associations and trained in sales of the product at the international market that will earn foreign exchange thereby replaces oil product.

He emphasized that the ministry has key into the economic revitalization agenda of Gov. Kefas policy in providing food security and making yam an export commodity in the state.

In his remarks, chairman Wukari yam market, Hon. Jerry Yakubu said the annual commemoration of yam produce in Wukari Kingdom has come to stay as achievement/advancement recorded during the period under review remain significant in the life of the people of the area.

He said the relative peace and security in the market remain the success story and pledged to sustain the tempo in the interest of development.

The chairman however solicited support of the state government in the area of expansion or relocation of the market, power generation, police security post, health center as well as water and mini cash center respectively and urged intending customers to ensure peaceful co-existence.

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler in the area His Royal Majesty Manu Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhitswen Aku-Uka of Wukari urged the yam farmers’ association to shun negative tendencies capable of tarnishing the image of the market.

The royal father who commended Governor Kefas for his foresight in agricultural policies urged farmers to bring their produce to the market and prayed for the sustenance of the market.