The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has significantly contributed N13.527 billion to the economic growth of Benue State, thanks to a successful public-private partnership with OLAM.
Emmanuel Igbaukum, the state’s Programme Coordinator, revealed this economic milestone during a recent visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Joseph Alakali, in Makurdi.
Igbaukum highlighted that the substantial amount was generated through OLAM’s purchase of 99,452 metric tonnes of rice paddy from IFAD-VCDP farmers. Additionally, he shared that cassava farmers, supported by IFAD-VCDP, successfully sold 87,237 metric tonnes, contributing N3,925 billion to Nigeria’s food security and N14,662 billion to the state’s economy.
Moreover, IFAD-VCDP played a crucial role in empowering rice farmers to increase their average yield from 1.2 metric tonnes per hectare to an impressive 4.5 metric tonnes per hectare. Similarly, cassava yield witnessed a remarkable surge from eight to 10 metric tonnes per hectare to an impressive 25 to 30 metric tonnes per hectare.
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Responding to these achievements, Prof. Joseph Alakali expressed his joy and pride in IFAD-VCDP’s positive impact on the state’s agricultural sector. He encouraged the program not to rest on its laurels and assured continued support from the state government, emphasizing the prompt payment of their share of counterpart funding.
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