By Peter Amine
An agricultural company, Teryima Nigeria Limited, on Thursday in Makurdi, distributed different types of seeds free of charge to farmers in Benue.
Mr Vitalis Tarnongu, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said that the gesture was aimed at boosting agricultural production and ensuring food security.
Tarnongu, who is also the CEO of Teryima and Msurshima Foundation, said that the gesture was to make an impact in the lives of the farmers, particularly the indigent ones.
The CEO stated that it had been observed that the major challenge in boosting agricultural growth was access to quality inputs, especially seeds.
He said that many farmers were unable to venture into crop production because of the high cost of improved varieties of seeds.
“That’s why I focus on providing improved seeds. Quality seeds contribute up to 50 per cent of a farmer’s success. Once that foundation is strong, everything else follows.
“The initiative is in fulfilment of a promise I made to God, that if He opens ways for me, I will consistently give back to society by supporting the less privileged and boosting agriculture in our country.
“We are giving out three varieties of crops: maize, cowpea, and sesame.
“We chose these three because they are short-duration crops, which makes them ideal in the face of climate change. I want to ensure there’s no risk of failure.
“These crops mature quickly, which helps smallholder farmers achieve better results within a shorter time frame,” he said.
Tarnongu, who also doubles as CEO of Teryima and Msurshima Farms and Teryima Multipurpose Cooperative Society, advised the beneficiaries to use the seeds wisely and productively.
According to him, seeds are the foundation of farming, as in the Bible, seeds are symbols of growth and prosperity.
In her remarks, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Ms Ochanya Okoh, commended Teryima Nigeria Limited for the farmer-friendly gesture.
Okoh said that the initiative was in line with Gov. Hyacinth Alia-led government’s efforts to revolutionise agriculture in the state.
The technical adviser, therefore, pledged that the state government would partner with such organisations to empower farmers and boost food production.
A beneficiary, Associate Prof. Victor Ahur, commended the company for the gesture of providing high-yielding, disease-resistant seeds to farmers.
Ahur urged fellow farmers to adopt agronomic practices to boost their harvest. NAN
