27/08/2026
BREAKING: Governor Alia Urges Benue Farmers to Scale Up Production as Taraku Mills Nears Full Operation
By Ad Goodluck blog
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has urged farmers across the state to significantly increase the production of maize, groundnut, sesame, soybeans, sorghum and other crops needed as raw materials by agro-allied industries.
The governor made the call during his statewide Thank-You Tour, where he engaged stakeholders from the Gwer East/Gwer West and Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituencies.
According to Governor Alia, the Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area is approaching full-scale production after undergoing test-running, creating a potentially larger market for agricultural produce from farmers across Benue.
Taraku Mills to Create Market for Benue Farmers
Governor Alia explained that the revival of Taraku Mills and other agro-allied industries would strengthen Benue's agricultural value chain by providing farmers with a dependable market for their produce.
He said the development would also help reduce losses associated with post-harvest surpluses, as more agricultural commodities could be processed locally rather than left without adequate buyers.
The governor noted that once Taraku Mills begins full production, a substantial portion of the raw materials required by the company could be sourced directly from farmers within Benue before supplies are sought from neighbouring states such as Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi.
He therefore encouraged farmers to see the expected industrial demand as an opportunity to increase production and earn more from agriculture.
More Than 2,000 Jobs Expected
The revival of Taraku Mills is expected to create more than 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while also stimulating economic activities across communities connected to the agricultural value chain.
The governor said the project would help position farmers not only as producers but also as important participants in an emerging industrial economy where agricultural commodities are processed within the state.
Governor Alia also commended residents around Taraku for protecting the company's machinery and equipment from vandalism, saying their cooperation contributed to the successful restoration of the facility.
Government Plans More Teacher Recruitment
Speaking on education, Governor Alia disclosed that following the recruitment of 9,700 primary school teachers, his administration was making arrangements for additional recruitment of teachers for both primary and secondary schools.
He said the move was intended to address manpower shortages and improve the quality of education across the state.
Alia Speaks on Roads and Security
The governor also promised to examine concerns raised over the Makurdi–Naka Road and other priority roads, including roads within communities in Gwer.
On security, Governor Alia reiterated that his administration would continue working toward lasting peace across Benue.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army 5 Division in Benue, with its headquarters in Makurdi and deployments planned across strategic locations.
Governor Alia also maintained that Benue's land must remain available to the people for farming and other legitimate economic activities, stressing that no part of the state would be surrendered for ranching.
A New Opportunity for Benue Agriculture
The revival of Taraku Mills could mark an important step toward reconnecting Benue farmers with large-scale industrial processors.
If successfully sustained, the development could increase demand for farm produce, encourage higher agricultural output, create employment, strengthen local processing and reduce the economic impact of post-harvest losses.
For Benue farmers, Governor Alia's message is straightforward:
Increase production. Prepare for a bigger market. Take advantage of local agro-processing.
The Thank-You Tour continued with meetings involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, government officials, community representatives and other stakeholders across the affected constituencies.
What do you think about the revival of Taraku Mills? Can it significantly transform Benue's agricultural economy and create more opportunities for farmers?
YES or NO? Share your opinion in the comments.
Keywords: Governor Hyacinth Alia, Taraku Mills, Benue State, Benue farmers, Gwer East, agriculture in Benue, Taraku Mills production, Benue industrialisation, maize production, soybean farming, agro-allied industries, Benue agricultural economy, Makurdi, Guma, Gwer West.