Over 1,000 youths from the three senatorial zones of Plateau State were successfully mobilised on Saturday for the Plateau State Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (PLA-YEAP) at BARC Farms.
The initiative is part of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s drive to engage young people in meaningful and productive ventures, with a strong focus on agriculture.
BARC Farms, which had been abandoned for years, has now been revived by the Mutfwang-led administration and is being used as a hub for youth empowerment in agriculture.
According to our correspondent, the 1,000 beneficiaries will receive improved seedlings, modern farming tools, and other vital resources to support their agricultural activities.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Sam Shwarta, said the initiative aligns with the Governor’s earlier promise to engage youths. “I believe this is one of the most laudable initiatives of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, as it is aimed at empowering the youth,” he said.
He further explained, “The governor has emphasized that agriculture has the potential to absorb a large number of young people. Currently, there is no other sector in the economy with the same capacity to employ or empower the youth like agriculture.”
“The Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Program aims to encourage youths to actively participate in commercial agriculture, thereby ensuring sustainable food production and promoting economic independence,” Shwarta added.
He noted that the programme officially began in March and is structured to instill vision and focus among the youth. “The Mutfwang-led government is supplying everything needed: seeds, herbicides, machines, tractors required for cultivating rice, maize, cassava, and sugarcane.”
The programme selected 1,000 participants through a transparent and inclusive process, devoid of political, ethnic, or religious bias.
“This was done through the Office of the Special Adviser on Youth, the Special Adviser on Youth Mobilization, the Commissioner for Youth, the Plateau Youth Council, and ethnic nationality leaders,” he said.
“We held a meeting on April 11 at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, and the turnout was massive. The youth came full of hope and expectation. They trust the government and believe this initiative will positively impact their lives.”
“Today was mainly for arrival and onboarding of the 1,000 selected youths. They came to see things for themselves and get familiar with the environment. Going forward, about 100 youths will work on the field weekly,” he added.
The state government plans to invite experienced farmers to further inspire the participants. Currently, 1,000 hectares are under cultivation, fully mechanised with modern equipment such as tractors, herbicide sprayers, and planters for rice, sorghum, and maize.
Beneficiaries commended Governor Mutfwang for reviving BARC Farm and providing youths with a meaningful opportunity to contribute to food security and economic growth.
