Plateau State Government Insures 27,100 Farmers in Collaboration with Presidential Initiative
By Azi Peter – Jos
The Plateau State Government, in partnership with the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Food Delivery and the Coordination Office of the Vice President, has insured 27,100 farmers in the state.
Dr. Akubo Adugwe, Special Assistant to the President, emphasized the importance of synergy between federal and state governments in agricultural policy-making, given that farmers are primarily located in various states.
According to Dr. Adugwe, insurance is crucial for mitigating risks incurred by farmers and providing them with the confidence to plant. He stated, “Insurance is not about compensation alone but to give them confidence to plant; insurance is a risk mitigation mechanism for all farmers to key in.” A check was presented to Governor Caleb Mutfwang as part of a pilot scheme for the project.
Farmers expressed their challenges, including insecurity due to herder-farmer conflicts, high costs of fertilizers and farm inputs, and difficulties in affording these necessities. They appealed to the government for assistance.
Represented by Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Bugama, Governor Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting agriculture through collaborations with federal government and non-governmental organizations.
Bugama appreciated the Presidential Coordinating Food Unit for their partnership, noting that this initiative is just a pilot scheme and more programs are forthcoming.
This development aligns with the state government’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, as seen in previous initiatives such as Agricultural Development Programs, The Plateau State Government has commissioned tractors and distributed funds to farmers to boost agricultural activities and ensure food security.
Digital Registration of Farmers, the state has launched a digital registration and farm mapping initiative to eliminate middlemen and ensure genuine farmers benefit from government interventions.
– Subsidized Fertilizers and Farm Inputs: The government has distributed subsidized fertilizers and farming inputs to registered farmers to enhance productivity and food security.
The insured farmers will benefit from risk mitigation and protection, enabling them to focus on agricultural productivity and economic growth.
