N-HYPPADEC empowers Benue farmers with 90 power tillers

By Johnson Arua

In a move to strengthen agricultural activities in Benue State, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has distributed over 90 power tillers to 24 cooperative societies.

The distribution, which took place on Thursday in Makurdi, is part of the Commission’s effort to support farmers with modern equipment and improve food production across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, represented by the Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Mr. Daniel Ipilakyaa, highlighted the importance of mechanization in unlocking Benue’s agricultural potential.

Describing Benue as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food supply, he noted that strategic investments in modern tools remain critical to improving output.

“Benue State, known as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation,’ has vast agricultural potential. Unlocking this potential requires deliberate investment in modern farming techniques and equipment,” he said.

He added that the initiative forms part of N-HYPPADEC’s broader commitment to improving livelihoods in communities within hydroelectric power producing areas.

“Our mandate goes beyond infrastructure. We are focused on empowering people, improving productivity, and promoting sustainable development,” Yelwa said.

He further urged the beneficiaries to use and maintain the equipment responsibly for long-term impact.

The State Coordinator of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Lee Ahenjir, said the intervention was designed to enhance farming efficiency and ensure that groups of farmers benefit collectively from the machines.

He explained that the tillers would be managed as cluster assets, allowing multiple farmers access to mechanized farming.

“The machines are meant for cooperative use to ensure wider access. This will stop the trend where individuals try to take ownership of what is meant for the group,” Ahenjir stated.

Traditional ruler of Agatu, the Och’Agatu, Chief Godwin Onah, commended the Commission for extending its interventions to rural communities, noting that the effort would significantly support farmers at the grassroots.

Similarly, the Benue State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, through Barrister Akor Abiem, praised N-HYPPADEC for complementing government efforts in boosting agricultural production. She assured of continued partnership with the Commission.

A beneficiary, Mr. Terna Tersoo from Katsina-Ala LGA, described the gesture as timely, saying it would ease the challenges associated with manual farming.

“This support will reduce the stress farmers go through and help us achieve better yields,” he said.