The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Benue State chapter has called on both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to urgently provide improved seedlings and other essential agricultural inputs to farmers in order to ensure a successful 2026 cropping season and strengthen food production across the state.
The appeal was made in Makurdi by the Benue State Chairman of AFAN Ernest Atoji while speaking on the level of preparedness of farmers for the 2026 farming season.
Atoji expressed concern over the delay in the distribution of critical farming inputs noting that many farmers across the state have become increasingly anxious as rainfall intensifies and the planting season progresses.
According to him in previous years farmers usually began receiving improved seedlings fertilisers and other support materials through the Benue State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (BNARDA) as early as April and May, enabling them to commence planting on schedule and achieve higher yields.
He, however lamented that the supply and distribution of farm inputs have remained slow this year warning that continued delays could negatively affect agricultural productivity and threaten food security in Benue State which is widely regarded as the nation’s food basket.
The AFAN chairman therefore urged relevant government agencies and agricultural institutions to take immediate action by ensuring that genuine farmers have timely access to improved seedlings, fertilisers, herbicides and other essential farming materials needed for cultivation.
Atoji stressed that early planting remains critical to achieving bumper harvests, particularly in the face of climate change, irregular weather conditions and unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting agricultural activities across the country.
He also appealed for stronger agricultural extension services to support farmers in rural communities with modern farming techniques, technical guidance and better access to government intervention programmes.
According to him, many smallholder farmers depend heavily on government support to cultivate large hectares of farmland each planting season, making timely intervention necessary for sustaining food production and rural livelihoods.
Despite the current challenges, Atoji expressed optimism that with prompt support and adequate intervention from both the federal and state governments, farmers in Benue State would still record a productive farming season capable of improving household incomes, boosting rural economies and strengthening food supply across Nigeria.
He further emphasised the need for sustained investment in agriculture, describing the sector as a major driver of employment, economic growth and national food security.
