The Governor of Benue State, Nigeria, Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday visited the Buchanan County Fair in Iowa, USA, as part of an effort to revamp his state’s agricultural sector by learning from Iowa’s advanced farming systems.
Often referred to as the Food Basket of Nigeria, Benue is rich in agricultural potential.
However, Governor Alia admitted that the state is far from maximizing its capabilities.
His words: “Agriculture, it’s not just meant for sustenance. It is a full-fledged business.
“So why are we not cashing in on that? Why are we not taking advantage of what we have if we have the soil? If we have the water?”
Governor Alia noted that Benue’s agricultural sector is “a hundred years behind Iowa in farming,” which is why he and his delegation embarked on the visit — to study how Iowa boosts its crop and livestock production.
“This is quite a very new learning curve,” Alia remarked.
He expressed surprise at the size and productivity of some cattle breeds in Iowa, compared to those in Benue.
“The cows in Benue are dwarves,” he said, adding that introducing more productive cattle breeds could significantly increase meat output. “Having one that could be new — something that would be more productive and something that the livestock farmers would also benefit from and get more from, even commercially.”
During the trip, the Benue delegation met with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to discuss improvements in crop seedlings and animal feed — two crucial areas for enhancing food security and agricultural income.
Governor Alia said the goal is to model Benue’s development on Iowa’s success, ultimately transforming agriculture for the benefit of both farmers and the state’s six million residents.
