Home News Benue Has Potential to Generate N1trn Annually From Agriculture—Lawmaker

Benue Has Potential to Generate N1trn Annually From Agriculture—Lawmaker

by AgroNigeria

A member of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Uche (APC/Guma 1), has emphasized that the state has the potential to generate up to N1 trillion annually from agriculture, urging the state government to harness this opportunity for economic growth. 

Reflecting on the state’s 49th anniversary, which marks its creation on February 3, 1976, by the then military Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, Uche called on the state government to live up to Benue’s title as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” 

He stressed the need for increased investment in agriculture to stimulate food production.

He highlighted that Benue is blessed with fertile land and an abundance of agricultural resources, which, if properly utilized, could boost the state’s economy.

The lawmaker noted that the state must not lose its status as a key agricultural hub, despite the challenges it faces in the sector. 

He pointed out that if Niger State could generate a return of ₦600 billion annually from agriculture, Benue, with its vast and fertile land, should be targeting at least ₦1 trillion in agricultural revenue. Uche emphasized that a focus on agriculture could be the way forward for the state, given its immense potential.

Uche also addressed the current state of development in Benue, acknowledging that it lags behind where it should be in terms of infrastructure. 

He observed that Benue’s development trajectory is behind not only other states of similar age but also those created after it. 

The lawmaker expressed his hopes that the state government would take steps to bridge this development gap in the coming years.

On the issue of business growth, Uche urged the state government to create a more conducive environment for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to thrive. 

He pointed out that excessive taxation is a major hurdle for businesses, particularly smaller ones, which are struggling to grow and become profitable due to the heavy tax burden. To address this, he proposed that the government introduce tax waivers for at least five to ten years to allow businesses to stabilize before being subjected to tax obligations.

“Even if the waiver is not total, a structured system that eases their burden will be encouraging,” he added. 

He stressed that such policies would be encouraging for business owners, providing them with the room to expand in the long term.

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