Food security: Benue Govt to establish strategic grain reserve centers

The Benue State government is set to establish strategic grain centers to purchase farm produce directly from farmers in the state.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Managing Director, Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, Dr Raymond Asemakah, during a meeting with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

He said the initiative is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money.

Asemakaha emphasised the urgency of the initiative, noting that despite Benue being recognized as the ‘food basket of the nation’, prices of food remain higher than in many neighbouring states.

He expressed deep concern about external buyers depleting local agro commodities in the state, which not only affects cash retention within the state but also diminishes the value farmers received for their produce.

“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 enforce standardized measurements and prompt payments upon delivery,” he said.

Asemakaha further stated that the introduced Warehouse Receipt System will ensure that these services are accessible throughout the state, guaranteeing that farmers receive fair value for their produce.

“This will protect our farmers to have value for their money. We want farmers to know how much a unit costs for their produce,” he emphasized.

The initiative aims to mitigate the risks farmers face in not receiving adequate compensation for their goods.

BIPC also plans to utilize Benue Sacs for agro commodities, allowing for the tracking and management of farm produce.

The President of the Benue Traders Association, Iormua Michael, praised Asemakaha’s leadership initiatives and expressed commitment to supporting BIPC in achieving its objectives.

Other speakers, including Manasseh Torsue, President of the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association, raised critical issues affecting market operations in Benue State.

They cited a lack of government involvement, inadequate market regulations, the absence of standard measurement scales, the promotion of customized sacks, high tax levies from unofficial sources, and numerous police checkpoints as significant barriers to market efficiency.