Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has launched the Seed Potato Initiative of the Time Is Now administration in Butura, Bokkos Local Government Area, marking a new phase in the state’s agricultural drive.
Speaking at the 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.”
The Governor spoke about growing up in a potato farming community and cultivating potatoes in his younger days, noting that those experiences shaped his understanding of the crop and its value.
He said for many years, Plateau farmers believed their traditional methods represented the full scope of potato production, until exposure, travel, and learning revealed a different reality.
“We have only been scratching the surface,” he admitted.
Governor Mutfwang explained that this realization now drives a deliberate policy choice to unlock the vast potential of potato farming on the Plateau, with focus on structure, innovation, and investment.
While acknowledging that current yields average about seven tons per hectare, he stressed the determination of his government to scale up production and profitability, positioning Plateau State as a competitive player in the potato value chain.
The groundbreaking at Butura, the Governor said, marks the first step in a long journey. “We are beginning a journey today that many people may not immediately appreciate,” he said, recalling 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 highlighted Plateau’s natural advantage, explaining that while potato producing countries in Europe farm only once a year, Plateau farmers can cultivate multiple cycles annually, with major economic impact.
He cautioned 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.”
The Governor urged farmers to embrace cooperative farming, mechanisation, and intensive training as the pathway to sustainable, large scale agricultural success, saying the shift is needed to attract investment.
He 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 key 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.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving rural access roads to ease the movement of produce to markets and protect farmers from exploitation. Through the Plateau Commodity Marketing Company, he said the government will ensure that “nobody cheats our farmers.”
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, said his presence was part of the legislature’s oversight function. He praised Governor Mutfwang for exceeding expectations and said the Governor is “walking the talk.”
He reaffirmed the full support of the legislature for the initiative and other programmes of the administration.
Earlier, the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Hon. Samuel Amalau, described the launch as “the beginning of a new season of hope and opportunity” for the people.
He said potatoes play a central role 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 Plateau State.
He said the council will mobilize stakeholders to ensure transparency, inclusion, and sustained community participation.
