The Benue State chapter of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) has launched a major reform initiative to revitalise commodity associations across the state.

According to the state coordinator, Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, the move seeks to reposition, reorganise, and strengthen the associations to adopt best agronomic practices for increased agricultural productivity.

In a letter addressed to the FACAN national president on Monday in Makurdi, Tarnongu disclosed that a review committee had been set up to assess the association’s performance and coordination.

He explained that upon assuming office in March, he found the associations in a “comatose state,” requiring urgent intervention. The committee’s findings revealed several structural and administrative lapses, including:

The committee’s findings revealed that over 90 per cent of association leaders had retained their positions for decades, contrary to FACAN’s constitution.

It also noted that many associations lacked affiliation with their respective national bodies or with FACAN, and that poor organisation within commodity groups was limiting access to modern agronomic practices, resulting in low yields. 

Additionally, the absence of structured leadership and operational addresses has led to one-man management styles. 

At the same time, the failure to identify major crop cultivation in the state hindered effective economic planning and growth.

Tarnongu appealed to the FACAN national secretariat for support in addressing these challenges, stressing that reforms were necessary to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve food security in the state.

Source: Punch