1. The Paradox of Plenty Benue State—long regarded as Nigeria’s “Food Basket”—sits on a quiet contradiction. Its soil feeds millions, yet its livestock sector, particularly egg production, has not kept pace with demand. Nigeria produces an estimated 15–16 billion eggs annually, the highest on the continent. Still, this output meets only a fraction of national…

The World Bank has approved a $500 million credit facility for Nigeria aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector, with a particular focus on smallholder farmers and value-chain development. The financing, provided through the International Development Association (IDA), will support the implementation of the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) project—an initiative designed…

Agricultural experts have issued a strong advisory to Nigerian farmers, warning of impending heavy rainfall patterns and urging a cautious, well-informed approach to the planting season. The guidance comes amid growing concerns over climate variability and its disruptive impact on traditional farming calendars. According to specialists in climate and agricultural systems, early rainfall should not…

Rabbit farming is one of the most lucrative and sustainable agricultural practices, offering both economic and nutritional benefits. In Benue State, with its favourable climate, abundant feed resources, and growing market demand, rabbit rearing presents a compelling opportunity for both smallholder and commercial farmers. 1. Why Rabbit Farming Matters Economic Potential Rabbits reproduce quickly and…

In Benue State, we often speak proudly of our fertile soil and rich agricultural heritage. We are rightly called the food basket of the nation. Yet, beyond crops and grains lies an opportunity many households are still underestimating — goat farming. If there is one agricultural venture whose return on investment cannot be overstated, it…

Nigeria is positioning itself for a defining agricultural breakthrough, setting its sights on tripling national yam yields by 2027 in a determined effort to close a staggering 50-million-tonne supply gap and significantly raise farmer incomes. The move places one of the country’s most culturally revered and economically vital crops at the heart of a broader…

Benue Yam (White Yam) Where the earth is generous and the people are proud If Nigeria has a heartbeat of abundance, it beats loudest in Benue State. Here, the land does not just grow food—it tells stories. And standing tall among those stories is yam, the king of tubers, the symbol of strength, prosperity and…

Okra—locally known and deeply cherished across Benue State—is far more than a vegetable. It is a dietary staple, a source of household income, and a quiet contributor to food security. Yet, despite Benue’s reputation as Nigeria’s Food Basket, okra production still falls short of its true agricultural and economic potential. This piece examines how okra…

Benue State, located in Nigeria’s fertile Middle Belt, has long carried the title “Food Basket of the Nation.” While staples such as yam, cassava, rice, and soybeans dominate popular narratives, a quieter but highly strategic agricultural story is unfolding across the state’s plains and riverbanks: the cultivation of tomatoes and pepper. These crops are not…