By Israel Adamu, Jos
Over 1000 Youths from the three Senatorial zone at the weekend were successfully mobilised for the Plateau state Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (PLA-YEAP) at BARC Farms as part of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s efforts to engage young people in productive initiatives.
It could be recalled that the BARC Farm had been been moribund for a while and the Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s led administration in Plateau on resumption of office revamped facilities inorder to make it fully operational and manned by Plateau Youths.
Our Correspondent reports that the over 1000 beneficiaries would be provided seedlings , modernized farming implements and several other items .
A beneficiary of the programme Mr Sam Shwarta who spoke to our correspondent said Saturday’s activities at the BARC farm are in line with the earlier appointments made by the Plateau State Government.
In his words ” I believe this is one of the most laudable initiatives of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, as it is aimed at empowering the youth. “
” The governor has emphasized that agriculture has the potential to absorb a large number of young people, Currently, there is no other sector in the economy with the same capacity to employ or empower the youth like agriculture.
He added that ” This idea was initiated by the Plateau State Government and is called the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program, which is aim is to encourage youths to actively participate in commercial agriculture, thereby ensuring sustainable food production and promoting economic independence.
Shwarta added that the program officially started in March and It’s designed to instill vision in the youth.
“The Mutfwang led government is supplying everything needed: seeds, herbicides, machines, tractors required for cultivating rice, maize, cassava, and sugarcane.”
So far 1,000 participants through a transparent, non-partisan, non-ethnic, and non-religious selection process were involved in farming activities on Saturday .
“This was done through the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth, the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization, the Commissioner for Youth, the Plateau Youth Council, and ethnic nationality leaders as they were tasked with mobilizing the youth.
” We held a meeting on April 11 at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, and the turnout was massive. “
“The youth came full of hope and expectation,they trust the government and believe this initiative will positively impact their lives
” Today was mainly for arrival and onboarding of the 1,000 selected youths.”
” They came to see things for themselves and get familiar with the environment. Going forward, we’ll have about 100 youths working on the field every week.”
” This will allow them to engage directly with the farming processes. ,the state government also plan to bring in successful farmers from other areas to motivate and encourage them.”
So far we are cultivating 1,000 hectares, and everything is fully mechanized. We have been provided tractors for plowing and harrowing ,sprayers for herbicides, and planters for maize, sorghum, and rice. Everything is mechanized.
He commended the efforts of the efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his efforts at revamping the BARC Farm and for engaging Youths of the state positively.
Other beneficiaries who spoke to our correspondent lauded the efforts the government is doing to boost farming inorder to tackle poverty as well as get the Youths gainfully employed .
