The Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr Raymond Asemakaha has said that the company would establish a dedicated grain hub where off takers can purchase farm produce directly in the state.
According to the MD, the initiative is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money.
Dr Asemakaha disclosed this during a meeting on Tuesday with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the Benue Traders Association and the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association.
He emphasised the urgency of this initiative, noting that despite Benue being recognized as the “food basket of the nation,” prices of food remain higher than in many neighbouring states.
While expressing deep concern about the external buyers depleting local agro commodities in the state which not only affects cash retention within the state, the MD said that the old order also diminishes the value farmers received for their produce.
According to Asemakaha, “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.”
Dr. 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 Dr. 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.
As this initiative takes shape, stakeholders remain optimistic that it will create a more favourable environment for agricultural trade, benefiting both farmers and the broader community in Benue State.
According to a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, 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.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
