Plateau to invest in cargo airport, rejuvenate agriculture

The Plateau State government plans to rejuvenate its potato, coffee and livestock industries to support its planned investment in a cargo airport, which is intended to boost the state’s economy. Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated that agriculture is the “bedrock of society and the cornerstone of his administration.”  He highlighted the state’s plan to leverage its […]

The Plateau State government plans to rejuvenate its potato, coffee and livestock industries to support its planned investment in a cargo airport, which is intended to boost the state’s economy.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang stated that agriculture is the “bedrock of society and the cornerstone of his administration.” 

He highlighted the state’s plan to leverage its favorable weather conditions.

Speaking at a recent gathering in Jos, Mutfwang announced that the government will invest in the airport next year to make it a regional hub for cargo aviation.

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He also clarified that the government’s initiative in Wase is for ranching, not a RUGA project. This program aims to boost cattle and milk production to a commercial scale, thereby enhancing the state’s economy.

“When we came in, our agriculture was still primitive. We reorganized the sector, splitting the ministry into crops and livestock for better focus.

 “For crops, we are improving our flagship product—Plateau potatoes (formerly Irish potatoes),’’ he said.

The Governor explained that the state’s current potato seeds are 15-28 generations old, leading to poor yields of three to four tons per hectare, far below the global minimum of 10. 

To address this, the government is working with a leading seed company from the Netherlands and reviving a mismanaged tissue culture project.

To stabilize the market, the state has established the Plateau Commodities Marketing Company and is building new markets with storage capacity.

Regarding livestock, Mutfwang addressed the speculation about RUGA, emphasizing that the focus is on ranches. 

“The old cows we have produce only 2.5 litres of milk a day. Imported dairy breeds give 20 litres. We must move forward,” he said. The ranching program will employ veterinary doctors and livestock attendants, and cattle will be scientifically tagged.

The governor also noted plans to revive the Jos Abattoir within three months, which has a capacity for 500 animals daily.