By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has broken ground for the Seed Potato Initiative, a flagship project of his administration aimed at transforming agriculture, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, the ground breaking even took place at Butura, Bokkos LGA.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, 19 December 2025, Governor Mutfwang described the event as a historic milestone that marks the beginning of a new era in agricultural development. Drawing from his personal experience growing up in a potato‑farming community, he recalled how Plateau farmers had long relied on traditional methods, unaware of the untapped potential of modern farming techniques.
“Today is the day of conception of a dream that we have long held,” Governor Mutfwang said, emphasising the administration’s commitment to scaling up potato production and positioning Plateau State as a global player in the potato value chain. Citing the state’s natural advantage, he noted that Plateau farmers can cultivate multiple cycles annually, compared to single‑harvest countries in Europe.
The Governor urged farmers to embrace cooperative farming, mechanisation and intensive training to achieve sustainable, large‑scale success, warning that “the era of subsistence farming with hoes is coming to an end.” He assured the Bokkos Traditional Council and community leaders of the government’s commitment to security, stating, “I will not bring this investment without providing security.”
Key infrastructure projects were also announced, including the revival of the long‑abandoned potato tissue culture laboratory in Mangu, slated for completion by February 2026, and improvements to rural access roads to facilitate market access. The Plateau Commodity Marketing Company will intervene to protect farmers from exploitation.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, praised Governor Mutfwang for exceeding expectations, while Bokkos Local Government Chairman, Hon. Samuel Amalau, hailed the project as the start of a “new season of hope and opportunity.”
The initiative is expected to boost food security, nutrition and livelihoods across Plateau State and beyond.
