By Jelili Gbadamosi
Prof. Terhemba Shija, the 2027 governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Benue State has called for urgent investment in agriculture, saying the state possesses enough natural and economic resources to overcome poverty and become a major food-production hub.
Shija, in a statement issued by his media aide, Sam Adzegeh, said Benue’s vast arable land and diverse agricultural resources remained largely underutilised, despite the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s major food-producing areas.
He said available data showed that only about 36 per cent of the state’s arable land was currently being cultivated, describing the situation as a major opportunity that could be harnessed to improve the livelihoods of residents.
According to him, inadequate irrigation infrastructure has also restricted farmers to mainly rain-fed agriculture, forcing many to produce only once a year instead of taking advantage of dry-season farming.
Shija noted that Benue already leads in the production of crops such as cassava, yam, soybean and citrus, while also producing rice, beniseed, groundnuts, melon and several other crops.
He said the state’s agricultural strength extends to more than 20 crop varieties, including potatoes, ginger, cocoyam, pepper, millet, sorghum, tomatoes and maize, as well as tree crops such as oil palm, cashew and mango.
The NDC candidate, however, identified subsistence farming as one of the major factors limiting the state’s agricultural productivity.
He said many farmers still cultivate small plots with traditional tools while operating with inadequate access to finance, modern technology, training and other agricultural inputs.
Shija argued that Benue could produce significantly more food if farmers were supported with modern equipment, accessible financing, irrigation facilities, technical training and appropriate legal frameworks.
He also stressed the importance of developing livestock production alongside crop farming, saying agriculture must be treated as a major driver of employment, food security and economic growth.
According to him, Benue farmers have the capacity to contribute substantially to feeding Nigeria’s growing population, but the absence of critical infrastructure and investment continues to prevent them from operating at the required scale.
Shija maintained that deliberate efforts to unlock Benue’s agricultural potential would not only increase food production but also create employment opportunities, raise household incomes and improve the standard of living across the state.
He said transforming agriculture from largely subsistence activity into a modern, commercially driven sector could position Benue as a stronger economic hub and reduce poverty among its people.
