The Plateau State Government has officially launched the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program (PYAEP), providing each of the first 1,000 beneficiaries with one hectare at BARC Farms.
Lead Focal Person Mr. Yari Kumchi announced this during the orientation and onboarding session held at BARC Farms following a brief convergence at Government College Jos.
Kumchi explained that the program aims to transform agriculture into an attractive, profitable career for young people.
“We want the youth to see farming as a first choice, not a fallback,” he said, adding that participants will receive machinery, seedlings, fertilizers, and other inputs to ensure viable production.
Mr. Kumchi stressed the urgency of creating alternative employment avenues. “With scarce job opportunities, agriculture can absorb the teeming youth in Plateau State and beyond. Starting with 1,000 hectares of maize, rice, and soyabeans, we intend to demonstrate that farming can sustain lives and communities.”
The orientation drew high-level support. Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development Hon. Musa Ibrahim Ashom, delivering a message on behalf of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, affirmed that youth empowerment is central to the administration’s agenda. “The governor has made it clear: the youth are the centerpiece of his administration,” Ashom said.
Ashom highlighted a strategic link between agricultural output and market access: “With the planned upgrade of Yakubu Gowon Airport Heipang to an international cargo facility, produce from BARC Farms will reach domestic and global buyers. There is no grain you produce that won’t be bought. Plateau is fast becoming Nigeria’s agricultural hub.”
Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization Hon. Hitler Joshua Pajok underscored the program’s scale and vision. He noted that the model will expand to the Central and Southern Zones of Plateau State over coming years, targeting up to 15,000–20,000 youths before the end of the governor’s tenure.
“Each participant will cultivate one hectare with government-provided inputs; after harvest, production costs are recouped and profits seed further investment in farming,” he said, emphasizing nonpartisan, transparent selection from over 10,000 applicants.
Engagement with the host community was detailed by Mr. Ishaku Jilensam, Program Manager of PADP. “We consulted youth, women, traditional leaders, farmers, and herders to secure local support,” he said.
“We allocated space for community enterprises and ensured security with lighting and personnel. Over 500 hectares are already planted with maize, soyabeans, and rice, reflecting strong youth enthusiasm.”
As the youths boarded transport from Government College Jos to begin their work at BARC Farms, there was a palpable sense of purpose.
However, officials reiterated that sustained success will depend on continuous government backing, efficient infrastructure, and market linkages, aiming to establish agriculture as a durable source of income and prevent youth migration in search of jobs.
