By Queen Kunde
The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has announced plans to commence verification of over 4,000 registered orange farmers across the state in a bid to create a reliable database for the state’s upcoming juice production industry.
The Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha-CFA, disclosed this on Friday while receiving members of the transition team of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State chapter, at the company’s headquarters in Makurdi.
According to him, the exercise will separate genuine farmers from speculators, ensuring only verified growers benefit from the partnership when large-scale juice production begins.
“This initiative is in line with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s vision to industrialize Benue and guarantee that farmers get real value for their produce,” Asemakaha stated.
He directed the Departmental Head of Business Development and Strategy, Theresa Abeda, to lead close collaboration with AFAN to ensure the credibility and completeness of the farmer data.
Commending the move, AFAN leaders Prof. Godwin Timun and Agbaugya John described the BIPC initiative as a bold step in reshaping the state’s economy. They warned that without such interventions, prices of essential commodities like bread and water could spiral beyond reach.
They further pledged AFAN’s support, promising to provide existing farmer records and link BIPC with members across the state to build a unified and authentic database.
With the verification exercise underway, hopes are high that Benue’s famed orange belt could soon become the foundation for a thriving juice industry, delivering value to farmers and driving the state’s industrial growth.
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