By Faridat Salifu
Efforts to strengthen agro-processing and agricultural industrialisation in Benue State have received a boost following a partnership between the state government and Chinese investors aimed at developing key agricultural value chains.
The collaboration is expected to channel foreign investment into large-scale farming, processing facilities and improved storage systems to enhance the commercial value of farm produce.
Officials said the initiative seeks to move the state beyond primary agricultural production by expanding processing capacity and improving the link between farmers, processors and markets.
Stakeholders noted that the partnership will focus on improving infrastructure across agricultural value chains, including storage, processing and logistics, which remain major challenges for farmers.
According to government officials, attracting foreign investors into agriculture is part of broader efforts to transform the sector into a more competitive and commercially driven industry.
They explained that strengthening agro-processing could help reduce post-harvest losses while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.
The state government also emphasised that collaboration with international partners would promote technology transfer, modern farming practices and better market access for agricultural products.
Officials said the initiative is expected to support economic growth while reinforcing the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s major food-producing regions.
