By Peter Amine
The Cow and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association, has appointed Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, as coordinator of its Benue chapter, with the promise to boost production in the state.
Mr Sunday Ojonugwa, National Secretary of the association, announced Tarnongu’s appointment in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Makurdi.
Ojonugwa said that Tarnongu’s nomination followed the National Secretariat’s careful observation of his passion and interest in cowpea and bean production in Benue.
He noted that the national body would appreciate the coordinator’s activities in advancing the cowpea/bean issues in the state and beyond.
Reacting to his appointment, Tarnongu told NAN that he would expedite action to boost cowpea and beans production in the state through the appointment zonal and local government coordinators of the association to drive the process.
“This is imperative because we need to boost cowpea and bean production in the state.
“Cowpea and beans are very important food crops that are in high demand in every home.
“You will recall that from July to October this year, a measure of beans was sold for almost N4,000.
“Many people in Benue have developed interest in the cultivation of the crop, and we will, through the association, support the farmers with ideas and improved seed varieties.
“A new variety of beans will be launched in March 2025, and we will ensure that Benue farmers get it in time to replace the small size variety, ” Tarnongu said.
Meanwhile, Dr Teryima Iorlamen, Seed System Specialist, at Joseph Sarwuan Tarkaa University Makurdi (JOSTUM), formerly known as the University of Agriculture Makurdi, congratulated Tarnongu on his appointment, saying it was well-deserved.
Iorlamen, who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Crop Production, told NAN that the appointment came as a result of Tarnongu’s untiring efforts in addressing food insecurity in the country.
He added that the new coordinator’s unwavering interest in promoting and producing cowpea in the country and beyond was instrumental to his new role to lead the association.
Iorlamen, who is also the Principal Investigator, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) JOSTUM Cowpea Seed System Project, promised that on behalf of the University, to fully support the coordinator to succeed. NAN
