By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Benue State’s drive to industrialise agriculture received a major boost as the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Sono Group and Picama Group Limited signed a landmark Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) aimed at reducing mango and orange post-harvest losses and repositioning the state as a leading agro-industrial hub.

Under the new partnership, the organisations would collaborate to strengthen critical areas of the agricultural value chain, including agro-processing, farmer empowerment, efficient aggregation of smallholder farmers, post-harvest loss prevention and improved access to global markets.

During the signing, the Group Managing Director of BIPC, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha said the agreement aligned with Benue’s long-term goal of transforming agriculture from subsistence to modern, industrial-driven growth.

“Together, we are rewriting the story of agriculture in Benue from subsistence to industrial growth,” Dr. Asemakaha said.

He noted that the JVA was poised to unlock massive economic opportunities, including job creation, increased farmer prosperity, environmental sustainability and international recognition for the state’s produce.

“This agreement is a historic turning point for Benue, setting the state on a trajectory where agriculture becomes a primary engine of prosperity,” he added.

Co-founder of Sono Group, Mr. Daren Jenkins, described the partnership as transformational and critical to unlocking the state’s agricultural potential.

“This agreement is more than business, it is a pledge to turn Benue’s fruits and economy into prosperity,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive of Picama Group Ltd, Mr. Frank Runge, emphasized the partners’ commitment to improving farmer livelihoods and ensuring market access.

“Our partnership ensures that no farmer’s sweat goes to waste; every harvest will find its market. We are eager to commence full-scale operations,” Runge stated.

The ceremony was attended by senior management of BIPC, including the Company Secretary, Josephat Ioryoosu, Chief Risk Officer, Andrew Simon; and Head of Legal Unit, Barr. Kakwagh Emmanuel, alongside global investment executives from Sono and Picama Group.