In a bold step toward revamping Benue State’s agricultural sector, Governor Hyacinth Alia has embarked on a strategic visit to the United States, touring the Buchanan County Fair in Iowa to explore innovative farming technologies and practices. The visit forms part of a broader mission to align Benue’s food systems with global standards and unlock the full potential of the state—commonly referred to as the Food Basket of Nigeria.

Learning from Iowa’s Farming Success

Iowa, known for its high-output farming systems and robust agribusiness sector, has long been a model for modern agriculture. Governor Alia, accompanied by a delegation of Benue officials, observed firsthand how mechanization, quality animal feed, and improved crop varieties have propelled Iowa’s agriculture to global prominence.

Describing the experience as “a new learning curve,” Governor Alia remarked on the stark difference in livestock productivity between both regions. “The cattle in Benue are significantly smaller in size,” he noted, adding that adopting high-yielding cattle breeds could dramatically improve meat production and economic returns for livestock farmers in Nigeria.

Moving Agriculture from Subsistence to Enterprise

Governor Alia emphasized the urgent need for Benue to move beyond subsistence agriculture and treat farming as a profitable business venture. “We have fertile land and abundant water. The question is, why aren’t we fully leveraging these resources?” he asked.

The visit included strategic discussions with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, focusing on key areas such as access to improved crop seedlings, sustainable animal feed, and climate-resilient farming systems.

Toward a Modern Agricultural Economy in Nigeria

The exchange of ideas between Iowa and Benue underscores the growing recognition that knowledge transfer and global collaboration are essential for food security and rural economic development. Governor Alia expressed optimism that lessons learned from Iowa will be applied in Benue to raise productivity, attract investment, and boost the livelihoods of the state’s over six million residents.