Plateau State has launchedits Seed Potato Initiative, a flagship agricultural programme under Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s “Time Is Now” agenda, with a groundbreaking ceremony in Butura, Bokkos Local Government Area, signalling a shift towards modern, climate-smart farming and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Governor Mutfwang described the initiative as more than a ceremonial exercise, calling it a defining moment for food security, rural employment, and economic renewal in the state.
He stated that the project represents the “conception of a long-held dream” to reposition Plateau as a competitive player in the global potato value chain.
Drawing from his upbringing in a potato-farming community, the Governor reflected on years of traditional production methods that limited output and income for farmers.
Exposure to modern farming systems, he said, revealed that Plateau farmers had only “been scratching the surface” of the crop’s true potential.
Currently, potato yields in the state average about seven tonnes per hectare.
Governor Mutfwang stated that the administration has now prioritised productivity, innovation, and investment to significantly increase yields and profitability, while creating new opportunities for youth employment and agribusiness development.
The Governor urged farmers to transition from subsistence practices to cooperative, mechanised farming supported by structured training.
According to him, modern agriculture is essential to attract private investment, expand processing capacity, and support young people seeking viable livelihoods within the sector.
“The era of subsistence farming with hoes is coming to an end,” he said, noting that large-scale, well-managed farming is critical for long-term economic growth.
Beyond seed potato importation, the Governor announced that the long-abandoned potato tissue culture laboratory in Mangu has neared completion and is expected to be operational by February next year.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rehabilitating rural access roads to improve market access and reduce post-harvest losses.
Through the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company, the state has pledged to intervene in produce marketing to prevent farmer exploitation and stabilise prices.
Governor Mutfwang assured traditional rulers and community leaders of adequate security to protect the investment, emphasising that agricultural development cannot thrive without safety and local ownership.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel stated that the legislature fully supports the initiative, describing it as evidence that the administration is delivering on its promises.
Meanwhile, Bokkos Local Government Chairman, Hon. Samuel Amalau, described the project as the beginning of a new season of opportunity, stressing that potatoes remain vital to food security, nutrition, and income generation across Plateau State.
Source: Plateau State Govt
