Jos – The Plateau State Government has organised the 2026 Horticultural Festival in Jos as part of efforts to promote agribusiness and attract investment into the State’s agricultural sector.

The festival drew stakeholders, including investors, researchers and farmers, who explored opportunities across the horticulture value chain, with a focus on crops such as potatoes, fruits, vegetables and flowers.

The event was supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Fruits and Veggies Global Limited and the Plateau State Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), and others.

It highlighted the State’s growing potential as a centre for high-value agricultural production.

Participants commended the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang for prioritising agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security.

Leading a delegation of foreign investors, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, said Plateau’s natural endowments position it favourably for large-scale horticulture.

“Plateau offers a unique combination of favourable climate and fertile soil that supports the cultivation of a wide range of crops,” he said. “Our collaboration with local farmers, particularly in seed development, is already yielding positive results.”

He added that there are plans to scale up such partnerships to enhance productivity and meet increasing demand.

Representing the governor, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Samson Bugama, said the festival aligns with the State’s strategic vision for agriculture.

“This festival is part of our broader plan to position Plateau as a leading horticultural hub in Nigeria and Africa,” he said. “We are investing in improved seed systems, mechanisation and expanding opportunities in processing, storage and export.”

Bugama who described Plateau as the food haven of Nigeria, disclosed that the government is also developing Special Agro-Processing Zones aimed at attracting both local and foreign investors.

“Our objective is to unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector, create employment and improve the livelihoods of our farmers,” he added.

He noted that Plateau contributes a significant share of Nigeria’s Irish potato production, with potential for further expansion due to its favourable growing conditions.

In his remarks, Executive Director of NRCRI, Chidozie Egesi, stressed the importance of innovation in boosting output.

“Although Nigeria is a leading producer of potatoes in West Africa, yields are still below global standards,” he said. “Improved seed quality and stronger collaboration among stakeholders are essential for better productivity.”

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Yilkudi Elisha, appreciated development partners for their support.

“We are committed to sustaining these partnerships and expanding into other high-value crops such as strawberries for export,” he said.

The festival featured exhibitions of agricultural produce and innovations, further reinforcing Plateau State’s emergence as a viable destination for agribusiness investment.