The Plateau State Government has commenced an assessment tour of the Pioneer Milling Company (PMC)/BARC Farms in Zalaki, Bassa Local Government Area, as part of efforts to revitalize the facility and place it under the full operation of Plateau youths. The initiative is aimed at making agriculture attractive, creating employment, and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
A high-powered delegation, led by Mr. Yari Kumchi, included key government officials such as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hon. Joshua Pwajok Hitler; Special Adviser on Local Government Administration, Hon. Jonathan Dabo; Director General of the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency, Mr. Samuel Dapiya; General Managers of Plateau Express Services and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Mr. Samuel Gwott and Arch Hart Bankat; as well as the Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Development Agency, Pharm. Kim Bot. Other dignitaries present included Pharm. John Chung, Director of the Plateau State Liaison Office in Abuja; Nurse Ndak Kizito, the State Manager of IMPACT; Plateau Youth Council Chairman, Diplomat Panan Gongdeng Dapar; and Comrade Isaac Itse, representing the Plateau Indigenous Youths.
The delegation, accompanied by security agencies, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the 4,000-hectare farm, inspecting key sections such as the administrative buildings, loading bay, and processing areas. However, they expressed dissatisfaction over the level of vandalism that the farm facilities suffered before being reclaimed by the government.
It was acknowledged that 600 hectares had already been allocated to a Plateau investor, while the remaining 3,400 hectares would be developed for agricultural production and value chain enhancement. This aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s vision to leverage the state’s land resources for youth employment and wealth creation.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Yari Kumchi outlined the various support structures that would be put in place, including extension services, tractors, fertilizers, and other necessary farm inputs. He assured the youths that guaranteed markets exist for all farm produce, making the venture economically viable.
“As it stands, we have assurances that whatever crops we cultivate will have ready off-takers,” Kumchi stated. “We are committed to ensuring that all necessary resources, including tractors, fertilizers, and other inputs, are available to make this project a success.”
He further emphasized that the initiative is designed to be inclusive, non-partisan, and non-discriminatory, welcoming all determined youths willing to commit to agricultural enterprise.
“The only qualification needed is determination. We want serious-minded youths who are ready to farm and take advantage of this opportunity. No salaries will be paid, but all inputs will be provided, and profits from harvests will be shared among the farmers after deducting the cost of inputs,” Kumchi added.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Engagement, Hon. Joshua Pwajok Hitler, praised Governor Mutfwang for his commitment to youth empowerment and expressed optimism about the project’s success.
“This initiative, known as the ‘Plateau Youths in Agriculture Empowerment Project,’ will serve as a model that can be replicated across various local government areas. With the support from His Excellency and the government, this farm could potentially produce future millionaires,” he remarked.
PMC/BARC Farms, covering a vast expanse of land with flat terrain, mountains, and a dam, is considered an economic and tourism asset. The farm has the potential to cultivate a variety of crops and attract investors. A technical team, comprising building and construction experts and geologists, is currently evaluating the integrity of existing structures, necessary improvements, and water availability for the farm camp ahead of full-scale operations.
The Plateau State Government remains committed to harnessing agriculture as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, and sustainable development, with plans underway to ensure that the PMC/BARC Farms regain their past glory as a thriving agricultural hub in the state.