Dennis Erezi
Syngenta Foundation has established a farmers hub in Gboko, Benue State to improve the capacity of farmers on new agricultural technology.
The Farmers’ Hub is designed to offer various services, including training, special spray services, sales of improved seeds, agro-input sales, tractor and machinery hire, aggregation of grains, sales, and seedlings.
The hub is expected to support smallholder farmers in the region and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
The commissioner for Agriculture Benue State Prof Moses Ogbaji during the launch of the initiative in Gboko, Benue state stressed that the Syngenta Foundation Farmers’ Hub signifies a milestone in the quest to revolutionize agriculture and ensure food security for all.
The Commissioner, who was represented by a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture in the state, emphasized the hub’s role as a “central place for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and market access for Benue Farmers,” underscoring its significance in supporting and empowering farmers.
The Caretaker Chairman of Gboko LGA, Avar Verlum, who inaugurated the hub, expressed gratitude for its establishment in the council area and assured them of maximum support and security for the facility.
He said: “Out of 23 LGAs in Benue State, we have two places where the Hub has been established. I am grateful for the farmers’ hub located in my local government area. God bless Syngenta Foundation for assisting our farmers. I promise, on behalf of the LGA, to give maximum patronage to this hub.”
The Country Manager of SFN Isaiah Gabriel highlighted the organization’s mission, stating, “Syngenta Foundation is a non-governmental organization dedicated to assisting smallholder farmers and enhancing productivity.”
He emphasized their focus on “productivity, access to quality inputs, and market,” mentioning initiatives like Agric Service, Seed2B, and Insurance.”
Prof. Lucky Omoigui, a System Specialist from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Kano Station, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for establishing the Farmers’ Hub in Gboko, emphasizing its significance as a knowledge centre for agricultural development.
He said: “If you don’t have quality seed, you have lost 50 percent of your yield already. The hub serves as a knowledge centre for agricultural development. We will provide training opportunities for hub beneficiaries to further disseminate knowledge among smallholder farmers.”
Terry Ligom, a beneficiary of the hub, appreciated Syngenta Foundation for entrusting him with the Farmers’ Hub and pledged never to disappoint the good farmers of Benue State.
The launch event was attended by various stakeholders, including Dr. Zakari Turaki, former Lake Chad Director-General of Borno State, Teryima Iorlamen from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Pastor Ernest Atoji, Chairman of the Farmers Committee in Benue State, Mr. Vitalis, CEO Teryima Nigeria Limited, and Emmanuel Akor, Technical Lead Nigeria and Ghana, Syngenta Nigeria Limited.
Fidelis Unongo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, and John Akuwe, Director-General of Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, among others, were represented.
The stakeholders, in their goodwill messages, commended the Foundation for its benevolent actions towards the people of Benue State and urged farmers to optimize the utilization of the hub to enhance their productivity.
Hundreds of farmers drawn from Gboko LGA of the state expressed their joy as they witnessed the launching of the Farmers Hub aimed at boosting productivity.
