The All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, has called on both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Benue State Government to urgently provide improved seedlings and other agricultural inputs to farmers in order to guarantee a successful 2026 cropping season and boost food production across the state.
The appeal was made in Makurdi by the state chairman of AFAN, Ernest Atoji, while speaking on the preparedness of farmers for the 2026 farming season. Atoji expressed concern over the delay in the distribution of critical farming inputs, noting that many farmers across the state have become increasingly worried as rainfall intensifies and the planting season progresses.
According to him, in previous years, farmers usually began receiving improved seedlings, fertilizers, and other support materials through the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) as early as April and May, enabling them to commence planting on time and achieve better yields.
He, however, lamented that the distribution of farm inputs has remained slow this year, warning that any further delay could threaten agricultural productivity and food security in the state, widely regarded as Nigeria’s food basket.
Atoji therefore urged government agencies responsible for agriculture to take immediate action by ensuring that genuine farmers have timely access to improved seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides, and other essential farm inputs. He stressed that early planting remains crucial for bumper harvests, especially amid climate change and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
He also appealed for stronger agricultural extension services to ensure that farmers in rural communities benefit from modern farming techniques and government support programmes. According to him, many smallholder farmers rely heavily on government interventions to cultivate large hectares of farmland each planting season.
Despite the current challenges, the AFAN chairman expressed optimism that with prompt intervention and adequate support from both the federal and state governments, farmers in Benue would achieve a productive farming season capable of improving rural livelihoods and strengthening food supply across the country.
