By Golok Nanmwa, Jos
Plateau State Government yesterday launched a program aimed at enhancing the marketing of agricultural produce and improving food security in the state.
The sensitisation, which began in Shendam and Langtang, is set to run until November 14, 2024.
The program is designed to educate and empower farmers across the federal constituencies of Plateau State, with an emphasis on expanding access to local and international markets for Plateau’s agricultural products.
Ezekiel Davou, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Commodity Marketing and Food Security, who oversaw the program’s launch, emphasized its importance in changing the agricultural sector.
According to Davou, the initiative will enable small holder farmers to better access post-harvest processes, finance, and broader markets, which are crucial for maximizing their produce’s potential. This, he noted, would create a more sustainable economic environment for both farmers and the state as a whole.
He added that it was inline with the program’s goals, the Plateau State Government established the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company Limited (PLACOM) with him as the coordinator.
According to Davou, the company’s operations will include providing access to finance, managing post-harvest logistics, and connecting farmers to larger markets, both locally and internationally.
“The Plateau state government under governor Caleb Mutfwang has established Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)- the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company Limited (PLACOM) which will spearhead the marketing of Plateau state’s produce for both local and international markets.
This company will not only buy produce from farmers at harvest but also manage post- harvest processes, facilitate access to finance, and connect down farmer with broader markets. This is a transformative stage for the benefit of smallholder farmers and the state economy”; Davou said.
Samson Bugama, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, reaffirmed the importance of this initiative. Bugama echoed Davou’s statements, emphasising that the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers is central to the state’s economic development.
He praised PLACOM as a transformative step that would empower farmers with the tools needed to improve productivity and profitability.
He said “The initiative is expected to have a significant impact on both the local economy and food security, with the potential to connect Plateau’s agricultural products to wider markets.