The Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a specialized agency for Root Crop Processing and Development, with a focus on harnessing the economic potential of crops such as potatoes, cassava, yam, and cocoyam—staples abundantly cultivated in Plateau State and across the Middle Belt.
In a statement issued in Jos, the Forum emphasized that while Nigeria has made considerable investments in cereal crop development, root crops—despite their vast economic and export potential—remain largely underdeveloped due to the absence of value chain infrastructure and targeted policy support.
“We believe the time has come for a bold national step that prioritizes agro-industrialization through root crops,” the Forum stated. “Establishing a dedicated agency will unlock massive employment, stimulate rural economies, and reduce the post-harvest losses that have plagued our farmers for decades.”
The Forum also expressed concern over what it described as the systemic neglect of pig farmers in recent programs and policy frameworks under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. It cautioned that overlooking pig farming—a significant livelihood source in Plateau State and parts of the North Central—risks deepening economic marginalization and disrupting local food security systems.
“Pig farming is not only viable but critical to protein security and youth employment in our region,” the statement added. “The Federal Ministry must adopt an inclusive approach to livestock development that leaves no farmer behind.”
The Plateau Youth G17 Peace and Progressive Forum therefore urged the Federal Government to initiate immediate consultations with regional stakeholders and agribusiness actors to design a holistic policy framework that reflects the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
