The Plateau State Government has commenced the orientation of 500 shortlisted participants under the Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme (P-YAEP) Agro Partnership Programme (APP), a structured agricultural initiative designed to develop a new generation of profitable agro-entrepreneurs across the state.
The orientation and project briefing, held at the Azi Nyako Youth Centre, Jos, provided participants with detailed information on the programme framework, operational guidelines, expectations, and responsibilities required for successful participation.
Speaking during the event, the Project Focal Person, Mr. Yarry Kumchi, said the Agro Partnership Programme reflects the deliberate agricultural transformation agenda of the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
He explained that the Governor’s vision is to reposition agriculture as a commercially viable sector capable of creating wealth, employment, and sustainable economic growth, adding that the programme was designed as a structured public-private partnership to achieve that objective.
Mr. Kumchi noted that the initiative provides an enabling environment for young agro-entrepreneurs through access to farmland, mechanization services, quality inputs, security support, and technical supervision under a transparent cost-recovery framework.
He added that the programme is structured to eliminate long-standing barriers to youth participation in agriculture while promoting a disciplined, cluster-based production system that enhances efficiency and profitability.
Earlier, the Project Lead of P-YAEP, Mr. James Jan Diyong, provided an overview of the programme structure and implementation framework.
He explained that the Agro Partnership Programme is a highly structured, mechanized, cluster-based farming initiative designed to promote commercial agriculture through access to land, mechanization services, improved inputs, welfare support, security, and technical supervision. He noted that participants were selected through a rigorous process that prioritized verifiable farming experience, commitment to agriculture, and readiness to comply with operational requirements.
Mr. Diyong emphasized that the programme is built on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes, adding that strict adherence to guidelines, production schedules, and operational standards would be required for success.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Plateau State Youth Council (PYC), Comrade Panan Gongden Dapar, said the initiative is a strategic platform for youth economic engagement through agriculture.
He noted that the programme is designed to empower young people to become productive agribusiness entrepreneurs capable of generating wealth, creating jobs, and contributing to the economic development of Plateau State, stressing that it is a partnership model built on responsibility, productivity, and sustainability rather than dependency.
Also during the orientation, Barr. Theophilus Maimako administered the programme’s Terms and Conditions, taking participants through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and outlining their obligations regarding land use, input management, programme compliance, and cost-recovery procedures.
He urged participants to fully understand and adhere strictly to the operational framework of the programme, stressing that discipline, transparency, and accountability would be essential to achieving the intended outcomes. Participants’ questions were also addressed, and preparations are now concluded for the commencement of a productive farming season at BARC Farms, Zallaki.
The Plateau Youth Agricultural Empowerment Programme’s Agro Partnership Programme is one of the flagship agricultural initiatives of the Plateau State Government aimed at promoting commercial agriculture among young people while strengthening food production, job creation, and economic development across the state.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the programme would contribute significantly to agricultural transformation in Plateau State by creating a model where government support and youth enterprise combine to deliver sustainable economic outcomes and long-term prosperity for participants.
