By Jide Akinseye
Efforts of government and stakeholders towards assisting farmers boost agricultural production have continued to manifest.
Tribune online of 11th March, 2026 reports that as part of the efforts to boost food production and strengthen rural livelihoods in Plateau, the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has launched an agricultural intervention, involving the empowerment of farmers with tractors, solar irrigation systems, and improved seeds to boost agriculture in parts of Plateau.
This according to the report also saw the distribution of critical farm inputs and mechanised equipment, including a tractor, two hand tillers, 100 units of solar-powered water pumping systems, solar panels, water pumps, fertilisers, and 500 bags of improved rice seeds to farming communities and cooperatives across the Plateau Central zone.
Prof. Yilwtda, had visited several farming clusters in Pankshin local government area of Plateau, inspected the ongoing cultivation activities and interacted with farmers at various project sites.
He indeed expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the local farmers, adding that they have shown commitment beyond all reasonable doubt.
The APC chairman donated a tractor and two hand tillers to a cooperative of farmers in the Fyer community to ease land preparation and expand mechanised farming, and announced the installation of two solar-powered water-pumping boreholes dedicated to supporting women in agriculture across Plateau’s local government areas.
Prof. Yilwtda expressed his passion for agriculture which is rooted in his personal background and firm belief that rural productivity remains central to economic growth and food security.
He said that the solar-powered irrigation facilities will significantly reduce production costs and enable year-round farming.
The irrigation equipment will enable farmers pump water using solar energy, thereby reducing the cost of fuel and supporting all-year farming,” he stated.
He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity and remain committed to modern farming practices, assuring that the current support represents only the first phase of a broader agricultural empowerment programme”.
The Executive Chairman of Pankshin LGA, Hon. Felix Gonung, described the initiative as a long-awaited intervention capable of transforming the agricultural landscape.
“This is one of its kind that we have been praying for. It is the cry of our farmers to have this kind of support. Today, your presence is enough to change the narrative of farming in this land,” he said.
