WE ARE DETERMINED TO REVOLUTIONISE AGRICULTURE TO CREATE JOBS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN PLATEAU – GOVERNOR MUTFWANG

History once again came alive on the Plateau as the State Governor, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, on Friday, December 19, 2025, broke the ground for the Seed Potato Initiative of the “Time Is Now” administration in Butura, Bokkos Local Government Area.

Speaking at the historic event, Governor Mutfwang said the occasion went far beyond the ceremonial turning of the soil, describing it as a defining moment that weaves together memory, livelihood, and future prosperity for the people of Plateau State.

“I am here this morning with great joy in my heart,” the Governor said, adding that true joy does not begin at birth but at the confirmation of conception. “Today is the day of conception of a dream that we have long held.”

Recalling his personal roots, Governor Mutfwang spoke passionately about growing up in a potato-farming community and cultivating potatoes in his younger days. He noted that for many years, Plateau farmers believed their methods represented the full scope of potato production, until exposure, travel, and learning revealed a sobering truth.

“We have only been scratching the surface,” he admitted.

That realization, the Governor explained, now drives a deliberate policy choice to unlock the vast potential of potato farming on the Plateau. He painted a compelling picture of what is achievable when productivity is matched with structure, innovation, and investment. While acknowledging current yields of about seven tons per hectare, he stressed the administration’s determination to significantly scale up production and profitability, positioning Plateau as a globally competitive player in the potato value chain.

The groundbreaking at Butura, according to the Governor, marks the first step in a long but purposeful journey. “We are beginning a journey today that many people may not immediately appreciate,” he said, invoking the timeless reminder that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. He added that the dream of potato processing factories, export markets, and industrial competitiveness “begins with what we are doing today.”

Governor Mutfwang further highlighted Plateau’s natural advantage, noting that while potato-producing countries in Europe farm only once annually, Plateau farmers can cultivate multiple cycles each year. He explained that even two well-managed farming cycles could dramatically transform the state’s economic narrative, while cautioning that prosperity comes with responsibility.

“For every new beginning, there is a price to pay,” he warned. “The era of subsistence farming with hoes is coming to an end.”

He urged farmers to embrace cooperative farming, mechanisation, and intensive training as the pathway to sustainable, large-scale agricultural success. According to him, such a transition is essential to attract investment and ensure long-term efficiency.

The Governor also called on the Bokkos Traditional Council and community leaders to protect the investment, assuring them of the government’s commitment to security. “I will not bring this investment without providing security,” he affirmed.

Beyond seed potato importation, Governor Mutfwang announced the revival of critical infrastructure within the potato value chain, revealing that the long-abandoned potato tissue culture laboratory in Mangu is nearing completion. “By the grace of God, the project will be completed by February next year,” he disclosed.

He further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving rural access roads to ease the movement of produce to markets and to protect farmers from exploitation. Through the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company, the government, he said, will intervene strategically to ensure that “nobody cheats our farmers.”

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, described his presence as part of the legislature’s oversight function. He praised Governor Mutfwang for exceeding expectations, noting that the Governor is truly “walking the talk,” and reaffirmed the full support of the legislature.

Earlier, the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Amalau, expressed delight at what he described as “the beginning of a new season of hope and opportunity” for the people. He emphasized the central role of potatoes in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, and urged farmers to embrace innovation and sustainable practices.

Hon. Amalau assured the Governor that the benefits of the project would extend beyond Butura to other local government areas across the state.

Gyang Bere
Director of Press and Public Affairs
to the Executive Governor of Plateau State
December 19, 2025

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