The Plateau State government has unveiled plans to revitalise its potato, coffee, and livestock sectors as part of a broader economic strategy tied to the development of a cargo airport, which aims to position the state as a regional hub for agro-based exports.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, speaking at a recent gathering in Jos, described agriculture as the “bedrock of society and the cornerstone of his administration,” emphasising that the state will harness its favourable weather to boost productivity and create jobs.
He revealed that the state will begin investing in a cargo airport next year to facilitate exports and strengthen the local economy.
Addressing speculation around land use in Wase, the governor clarified: “The government’s initiative in Wase is for ranching, not a RUGA project.”
He explained that the program is designed to scale up cattle and milk production commercially while promoting modern animal husbandry practices.
“When we came in, our agriculture was still primitive. We reorganized the sector, splitting the ministry into crops and livestock for better focus,” he said.
Mutfwang noted that one key focus is the revitalisation of Plateau’s potato industry: “For crops, we are improving our flagship product—Plateau potatoes (formerly Irish potatoes).
“Our current potato seeds are 15–28 generations old, producing only 3 to 4 tons per hectare—well below the global minimum of 10.”
To combat this, the government is partnering with a top seed company in the Netherlands and reviving a previously mismanaged tissue culture project to improve yields and quality.
To stabilise the market, the state has also created the Plateau Commodities Marketing Company and is constructing new storage-equipped markets.
On livestock, Mutfwang emphasised the need to shift from outdated breeds to higher-yielding ones: “The old cows we have produce only 2.5 litres of milk a day. Imported dairy breeds give 20 litres. We must move forward.”
The ranching initiative will employ veterinary doctors and livestock attendants, with scientific tagging of cattle to enhance traceability and productivity.
The governor also announced plans to revive the Jos Abattoir within three months.
The facility, once fully operational, will have the capacity to process 500 animals daily, further strengthening the state’s livestock value chain.
These reforms, he said, are key steps in transforming Plateau into a modern, agriculturally-driven economy.
