In a remarkable move to address the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities in Plateau State, the government has initiated farming interventions in Mangu, Riyom, and Barkin-Ladi areas. These communities have recently suffered the devastating consequences of conflicts, with farms being destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the farming intervention in Ligitlubang Community, Mangu Local Government Area, Dr. Susan Bentu, the Managing Director and CEO of the Agricultural Services and Training Center and Marketing Ltd (ASTC), disclosed that Governor Caleb Mutfwang directed the intervention to assist communities affected by recent attacks and farm destruction.
The Plateau State Government has tasked the Agricultural Services and Training Center and Marketing Ltd (ASTC) with cultivating lands in areas that bore the brunt of the unfortunate attacks, forcing many farmers to abandon their lands.
“The government’s initiative offers much-needed respite for these communities, as Governor Caleb Mutfwang graciously approved the cultivation of 900 hectares of land across Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs in the first phase of the intervention,” stated Dr. Bentu.
The primary objective of this intervention is to help farmers in the affected communities salvage what remains of the farming season and prevent their farmlands from going to waste. In addition, the state government has responded to the farmers’ appeal by providing security for the cultivated crops, encouraging displaced individuals to return to their homes.
Despite the advanced stage of the farming season, the government has directed the planting of late crops, such as beans and soya beans, expected to yield positive results. This move underscores the government’s commitment to support and revitalize the agricultural sector in the conflict-affected regions.
Assuring the farmers of their safety and protection, the Deputy Commandant Head of Agro Rangers, NSCDC Plateau State Command, Olusola Bakene, affirmed that his team is fully mobilized to secure the farmlands. The Agro Rangers, consisting of specialized trained personnel, will ensure that the crops are shielded from further destruction.
Grateful for the government’s intervention, Mr. Dafwat Nanribet, a representative from the traditional council and Chairman of the Mwagavul Development Association in Bunga District, expressed his relief. Witnessing the destruction of all their cultivated farms earlier in the year, the communities find solace in the government’s efforts to address their hardships through farming interventions.
Farm owners present at the cultivation intervention sites, including Elder Ezekiel Dashial and Mr. Nanribe Samuel, shared their harrowing experiences of farm attacks and the subsequent abandonment of crops due to incessant violence. Nevertheless, they expressed joy and renewed hope, believing that the government’s intervention would ameliorate their sufferings.
The farming intervention will extend to Jol, Kwi, Rim, and Bachit communities in Riyom Local Government Area, Sho community in Barkin Ladi, and 14 others, including Aloghom, Gaude/Kinat, Bwai, Sabon Layi, Mangul-Kantoma, Bakin Hanya, Jwakkom/LigitLubang, Kombun, Daika (ATughun), Dangdai, and Gyembwas in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Through this ambitious initiative, the Plateau State Government aims to provide much-needed support to the affected communities, helping them rebuild their lives and embrace hope for a brighter future.
Nigeria Star News 