Over 1,000 young people from across Plateau State’s three senatorial zones have been mobilized under the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (PLA-YEAP). The initiative, driven by Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration, held a major onboarding event on Saturday at the rejuvenated BARC Farms, signaling a new era of youth-focused, mechanized agriculture in the state.
BARC Farms, which had been moribund for years, has now been fully revived under the Mutfwang-led government to serve as a hub for youth agricultural training and enterprise. The farm, once idle, is now buzzing with renewed activity and mechanized operations across 1,000 hectares of land dedicated to key staples like maize, rice, cassava, and sugarcane.
According to our correspondent, the mobilized beneficiaries will receive agricultural inputs including seedlings, herbicides, tractors, and other mechanized tools to ensure smooth operations and high yield production.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sam Shwarta, described the initiative as one of the most impactful youth-oriented projects in the state’s recent history. “This is a laudable initiative by the governor. Agriculture remains the most viable sector to empower young people and create sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
Shwarta noted that the project began in March and is designed not just to equip youth with farming skills but also to instill purpose and vision. “The program is fully supported by the government, providing all the essentials from seeds to machines. Everything is in place for us to succeed,” he added.
Saturday’s event marked the official onboarding of participants, who had been selected through a transparent and inclusive process that involved the Plateau Youth Council, Office of the Special Adviser on Youth, ethnic nationality leaders, and other youth-focused government agencies.
The initiative will see 100 youths engaged on the farm weekly, allowing them to gain practical experience while working closely with professional farmers. There are also plans to bring in successful farmers from other regions to mentor and inspire participants.
“The selection was non-partisan, non-ethnic, and non-religious,” said Shwarta. “The turnout has been impressive, and the energy from the youth shows how much they trust this government to deliver.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Mobilization, as well as other youth leaders, have pledged to continue working closely with beneficiaries to ensure the long-term success of the project.
Several other participants who spoke with reporters praised Governor Mutfwang for revamping the BARC Farm and engaging the youth in meaningful, income-generating ventures. They expressed optimism that the initiative would not only reduce unemployment but also tackle food insecurity and poverty across the state.
The Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme is one of several interventions launched by the Mutfwang administration aimed at repositioning the state for inclusive growth, youth engagement, and agricultural transformation.