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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Government has intensified efforts to strengthen food security through the massive expansion of rice cultivation across the state.
Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi rice farm located in Awe and Keana Local Government Areas on Tuesday.
According to the governor, the state’s rice production drive has recorded remarkable progress, with the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm expanding from 2,000 hectares last year to 3,300 hectares in the current farming season. He said plans are underway to increase the farm’s size to over 8,000 hectares in the near future.
“This expansion represents our administration’s deliberate effort to ensure food sufficiency and reduce dependence on imported rice,” Governor Sule stated. “We are committed to making agriculture a major source of economic growth and sustainable livelihood for our people.”
The governor commended the youth and local communities in Jangwa, Ayakeke, and Agwatashi for their dedication to the project, noting that their participation has been crucial to the farm’s success.
“Our target is to make Nasarawa a key player in Nigeria’s food production value chain,” he said. “By expanding rice cultivation and encouraging private sector involvement, we are creating jobs, empowering farmers, and improving the state’s food security.”
The governor, who was accompanied by officials of Silvex International, said the state has entered into strategic collaboration with the company to enhance rice processing and marketing under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand.
Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Silvex International and Project Head of NASACCO, said the state’s rice expansion drive is a major step toward sustainable food security.
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“This initiative will add great value to the local economy through job creation, taxes, and profit sharing,” Ibrahim said. “The quality of rice being produced here can compete favorably with the best varieties in the world.”
He commended Governor Sule’s vision for the agricultural sector, describing Nasarawa as one of the leading states in driving Nigeria’s food security agenda.
Also speaking, the Farm Manager and Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Hon..Mohammed Iyimoga said over 570 youths have been employed to work on the farm, a development that has boosted productivity and community participation.
He appreciated Governor Sule for believing in his capacity to manage the project, noting that the governor’s trust and continued support have been instrumental to the farm’s success.
“I have completely relocated to the farm to ensure productivity and efficiency, and that commitment has given birth to what we are witnessing today,” Iyimoga said. “We also thank the people of the host communities for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this journey.”
The governor and his team later conducted a tour of the farm, assessing ongoing cultivation and expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.
The Nasarawa State Government said the expansion of the Jangwa/Agwatashi rice project is part of its broader plan to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food availability, and position the state as a major hub in Nigeria’s rice value chain.
