Plateau State’s Agricultural Abundance Takes Center Stage at the 2025 World Food Day Celebration

By: Labaran Ahmed 

The rich agricultural heritage of Plateau State was prominently showcased as farmers from across the region presented the full spectrum of their produce for global recognition at the 2025 World Food Day celebration.

Commemorated today, World Food Day provided a platform for Plateau’s farmers to exhibit the diversity and quality of crops cultivated across the state. From staple grains to unique local delicacies, the displays reflected the state’s immense agricultural potential.

This significant celebration, long absent from the state's calendar, has been revitalized under the forward-thinking leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang—a leader committed to restoring and enhancing the agricultural prosperity of Plateau State.

Held at the Cripsan Suites and Event Center in Jos, the event brought together farmers from all 17 local government areas, each showcasing distinctive crops emblematic of their region’s unique agricultural profile.

The event, themed "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future," was organized by the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries. The celebration served as a platform to highlight the state's commitment to making agriculture a central pillar of its economy.

In his speech, Chief of Staff Builder Jeremiah Satmark, representing Governor Mutfwang, emphasized the transformative potential of agriculture. "Agriculture is not a side project — it is the petrol of our economy, the foundation of our food security, and our pathway to prosperity," he stated. Satmark outlined the Governor’s vision to empower every Plateau citizen to view agriculture as a gateway to sustainable wealth and development.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Samson Ishaku Bugama, highlighted the administration’s bold initiatives under Governor Mutfwang’s "The Time Is Now" agenda. These initiatives include the registration of over 300,000 farmers through the Land is Green Initiative, with plans to expand to 2 million. The government’s focus on youth empowerment is evident through the training of 340 young farmers in modern agricultural techniques, aimed at securing a future for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

To address critical issues such as fertilizer scarcity, the government has distributed over 18,000 metric tons of subsidized fertilizer and improved seeds to farmers. In a bid to reinvigorate the state’s famous potato industry, Plateau has also imported 275 tons of certified potato seeds from the Netherlands for large-scale multiplication.

A major milestone during the event was the unveiling of Plateau’s focus on livestock development. The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries—the first of its kind in Plateau—was hailed as a step toward strengthening the state's livestock sector. The ministry has vaccinated over 200,000 animals and trained 78 community animal health workers to expand veterinary services.

In line with its vision for a diversified agricultural sector, the state has also invested in aquaculture, repurchasing the Panyam Fish Farm and establishing climate-resilient livestock models at the Wase Grazing Reserve. A ₦185 million investment has funded the creation of a 30-acre site equipped with irrigation, solar power, and an extensive planting of Napier grass to support sustainable livestock farming.

Governor Mutfwang's administration has also prioritized infrastructure development, including the construction of rural roads to connect farmers to markets. The ₦3 billion counterpart fund for the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) is set to build 331 km of roads across three local government areas, benefiting over 1,800 families.

Additionally, the Plateau Agricultural Commodities Company (PLACOM) has rehabilitated 12 warehouses and initiated the acquisition of 5,000 metric tons of farm produce. The government is also setting up Plateau Markets in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt to facilitate direct access to national markets.

With climate change threatening agricultural productivity worldwide, Plateau State has implemented climate-smart initiatives to safeguard its farmers. These measures include providing weather advisory services, as well as insurance coverage for 27,600 farmers, in partnership with Leadway Assurance and PULA Advisors.

Prof. Dauda Bawa of the University of Jos, in his keynote lecture, emphasized the importance of global cooperation in addressing food insecurity. He praised Plateau’s agricultural innovations as a model for other regions struggling with food security. The state’s efforts also attracted international attention, with Mr. Dawn, a representative from a leading U.S. livestock genetics organization, announcing a partnership with Nigerian institutions, including the University of Jos, to advance livestock breeding through cutting-edge technologies like artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Hon. Mohammed S. Nyalun, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, underscored the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in supporting the state’s agricultural ecosystem. Over 50 agro-based enterprises have received support for capacity-building, export standards, and packaging techniques. Nyalun pledged continued collaboration with financial institutions to facilitate access to capital for local food processors and exporters, helping them scale up production and reach broader markets.

In an exclusive interview during the event, the Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP) Hon. Ishaku Samaila Jilemsam, shared valuable insights into the agency’s pivotal role and the broader impact of Governor Mutfwang’s agricultural agenda.

“There’s never been a better time for agriculture in Plateau State than now,” the Program Manager declared with conviction, applauding the government’s renewed commitment to farmers across the state.

He emphasized the strategic efforts to improve market access, noting that middlemen have long exploited farmers by offering unfair prices. “The government is deliberately creating market pathways to connect farmers directly with buyers, ensuring they get the value their hard work deserves,” he explained.

One of the key interventions, he said, is the development of Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs)—a transformative initiative that not only enhances value addition but also drives demand for farmers’ produce. “When you process locally, you create a steady market, and farmers are encouraged to expand production because there’s guaranteed offtake,” he added.

Beyond market access, the Program Manager highlighted the significant increase in agricultural extension services. According to him, more extension workers have been deployed to rural areas to guide farmers on climate-smart practices, pest control, and post-harvest handling, ensuring better yields and reduced losses.

He also praised the government’s provision of counterpart funding for major agricultural interventions, including the Potato Value Chain Project, the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project, and Fadama CARES. These projects, he said, are boosting productivity, especially among smallholder farmers.

Speaking on the significance of World Food Day, the Program Manager described it as a global conversation on food systems, and a vital reminder of the importance of resilience, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture. He reaffirmed PADP’s role in supporting this vision through continuous training, input support, and farmer engagement.

“With the governor’s leadership, agriculture is no longer on the sidelines—it is the main engine of inclusive development,” he concluded. “Our farmers are hopeful, and the momentum is strong. This is truly a turning point for Plateau agriculture.”