Food prices higher in Benue than neighbouring states — BIPC, MD

The Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, has said that food prices remain higher in Benue State than other neighbouring states despite being the “Food Basket” of the country.

Asemakaha said it was to that end that the company has set to off-take goods produced by farmers across the state in a fresh move to address food insecurity and improve the economic conditions for farmers in Benue State.

The managing director made the disclosure during a meeting yesterday with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including the Benue Traders Association and the Benue Farmers and Traders Protection and Development Association.

He stressed the urgency of the initiative, noting that despite Benue being recognised as the food basket of the nation, “Food prices remain higher than in many neighbouring states.”

He emphasised the concern of external buyers depleting local agro commodities, which not only affects cash retention within the state but also diminishes the value farmers receive for their produce.

“With the support of local traders, BIPC aims to position the state as a grain hub, facilitating the aggregation and sale of agricultural products to external buyers. We should be able to mop up this produce and sell it directly to traders from outside the state,” Asemakaha said.