Jos, Nigeria – October 16, 2025:
The Plateau State Government has declared the current period as a “golden era” of agricultural rebirth, unveiling sweeping achievements that have redefined food production, livestock development, and rural empowerment under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
The declaration came during the 2025 World Food Day celebration, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” held at Crispan Suites and Event Centre, Jos. The event was organized by the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries.
Representing the Governor, Chief of Staff Builder Jeremiah Satmark reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture from a subsistence activity into a major driver of Plateau’s economy.
“Agriculture is not a side project — it is the petrol of our economy, the foundation of our food security, and our pathway to prosperity,” Satmak declared. “Governor Mutfwang’s vision is that every Plateau citizen, regardless of profession, should see agriculture as a gateway to wealth and sustainable development.”
Agricultural Revolution in Motion
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, outlined the administration’s sweeping interventions, describing Governor Mutfwang’s “The Time Is Now” agenda as “a revolution driven by action, not rhetoric.”
Under the Land is Green Initiative, over 300,000 farmers have been registered in the state’s new Farmer Data Bank, with a target of 2 million in the next phase. Through the Input Intervention Programme, the government distributed 18,120 metric tonnes of subsidized fertilizer worth over ₦12 billion and 275,486 kg of improved seeds across the 17 local government areas.
Youth empowerment remains central to the initiative, with 340 young farmers trained in modern agricultural practices at CSS Farms, Nasarawa — 20 youths selected from each LGA.
To revive Plateau’s famed potato sector, the state imported 275 tons of certified potato seeds from the Netherlands for multiplication. This aligns with infrastructure development under the Special Agricultural Processing Zones (SAPZ) in partnership with the African Development Bank.
Livestock, Fisheries, and Climate-Smart Agriculture
A major milestone under Governor Mutfwang is the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries — the first of its kind in Plateau. The ministry has vaccinated 140,000 cows, 50,000 sheep, and 50,000 goats against anthrax, while training 78 Community Animal Health Workers to strengthen veterinary outreach.
The government also repurchased the Panyam Fish Farm, signaling a renewed focus on livestock and aquaculture. At the Wase Grazing Reserve, ₦185 million was invested in a 30-acre climate-resilient livestock model equipped with irrigation facilities, solar power, and over 600,000 Napier grass seedlings.
To protect farmers from losses caused by climate change, the state rolled out climate-smart weather advisory services and insurance coverage for 27,600 farmers in partnership with Leadway Assurance and PULA Advisors.
Mechanization and Rural Infrastructure
Through the Plateau Agricultural Mechanization Services Corporation (PAMSCO), the government acquired 10 new tractors and 200 power tillers, which have cultivated over 2,000 hectares for smallholder farmers, drastically reducing manual labour.
Governor Mutfwang also reactivated the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) with a ₦3 billion counterpart fund. The project is constructing 331 km of rural roads across Kanke, Mangu, and Quan’pan LGAs, creating over 1,800 jobs and linking farmlands to markets.
Similarly, the Fadama CARES Programme has supported 147,841 beneficiaries, distributed 4.2 million kg of fertilizer, rehabilitated 67 feeder roads, and provided food support to over 9,000 vulnerable households.
Value Addition and Market Expansion
Under the Plateau Agricultural Commodities Company (PLACOM), 12 warehouses have been renovated to stabilize prices and store farm produce. The state has acquired 5,000 metric tonnes of farm products and is setting up Plateau Markets in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt to connect farmers directly with national buyers.
The Potato Value Chain Support Project has delivered 118 km of rural roads, nine community markets, and 17 spring captures, while establishing a Potato Tissue Culture Lab in Mangu and rehabilitating three potato processing centers across the state.
Expert Contributions and Global Partnerships
In his keynote lecture, Prof. Dauda Bawa of the University of Jos emphasized the urgency of coordinated global action on food systems, warning that over 733 million people worldwide face chronic hunger. He commended Plateau’s efforts as a model of innovation and partnership in tackling food insecurity.
An American delegate, Mr. Dawn, a reknwon U.S. livestock genetics organizations, announced plans to partner with Nigerian institutions, including the University of Jos, to improve sheep and goat breeding through advanced technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
Strengthening Agri-Business and MSMEs
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Mohammed S. Nyalun, highlighted the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Plateau’s food system, noting that over 50 agro-based enterprises have been formally registered and supported with capacity-building on packaging, nutrition, and export standards.
He pledged continued collaboration with financial institutions to expand access to capital for local processors and exporters.
A Future Rooted in Food Security
As the event concluded with an exhibition showcasing agricultural products, processed foods, and livestock from various groups and processing businesses. And also a food crop exhibition from Plateau’s 17 LGAs, one message resonated: Plateau is reclaiming its place as Nigeria’s food basket of the Middle Belt.
Commissioner Bugama summed it up best:
“The achievements we celebrate today are not just statistics — they represent restored livelihoods, renewed hope, and a prosperous Plateau where every farmer counts.”
From smart farming to mechanization, from livestock vaccination to youth training, the Plateau State Government says it remains steadfast in its mission to feed its people — and the nation.
Indeed, under Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the time for agricultural prosperity on the Plateau is now.
