Why we are focused on agric value chain – Gov Ortom

The Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has said the state government’s agricultural policy focus on the value chain is to maximise the multiple agric benefits and create more jobs for youths of the state.

To achieve that, the governor said the necessary enablers are being worked out in Lagos to encourage private sector investments in agriculture and the value chain in the state.

He stated this at the weekend in Abuja during the launch of Bajaj Maxima Cargo utility vehicles for agriculture and rural health care delivery.

He said Benue, as the food basket of the nation, was aware of the huge expectations on it to lead the agriculture revolution of the country, stressing that the current efforts being made by his administration to encourage farmers of the state will be sustained.

Ortom, who was invited to the launch as a special guest in recognition of his administration’s successes in agriculture development in the state, said, “Benue has comparative advantage in agriculture and our administration is doing everything to ensure that farmers have value for their produce.

“Our focus is on the agriculture value chain which we are certain has the capacity to create thousands of jobs for the youth.”

He commented Bajaj Maxima Cargo for the innovative ways the company has been addressing the needs of small holder farmers across Africa and Nigeria in particular.

Governor Ortom gave assurance that Benue State government will support farmers of the state to acquire modern agricultural equipment to boost their productivity.

Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who also spoke at the launch, pledged the support of the National Assembly to policies and actions of government capable of promoting agriculture in the country.

Bajaj Maxima products are assembled in Nigeria for the transportation industry especially in the agriculture sector and rural health care.