In a major step toward strengthening food security and promoting agricultural development, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has inaugurated the harvest of a 3,300-hectare state-owned rice farm spanning the Jangwa and Agwatashi communities in Awe and Obi Local Government Areas.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Sule described the project as a key component of his administration’s agricultural transformation agenda designed to boost local rice production, create employment, and enhance economic growth across the state.
“The initiative is not just about rice production,” the governor said. “It is about empowering our communities, creating jobs, and positioning Nasarawa as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security.”
The large-scale rice project, established under the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme, is part of efforts to strengthen the agricultural value chain. The governor inspected the ongoing harvesting, bagging, and weighing of paddy rice as private-sector off-takers took delivery of the produce.
Governor Sule emphasized the importance of sustaining the project beyond the current administration. He called for collaboration between government agencies, private investors, and local farmers to ensure continuous production and steady market supply.
Agricultural experts have commended the project as a significant move toward self-sufficiency in rice production. They noted that the 3,300-hectare farm represents one of the largest state-backed rice cultivation projects in northern Nigeria, underscoring Nasarawa’s growing role in the country’s drive to reduce dependence on imported food.
However, stakeholders also pointed to challenges such as the need for improved infrastructure, modern equipment, and reliable market linkages to ensure efficiency and profitability.
Governor Sule reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles, pledging to strengthen road networks for crop evacuation, invest in mechanization, and enhance storage and processing facilities.
With this initiative, Nasarawa State joins the league of major rice-producing states in Nigeria, further advancing the nation’s collective goal of achieving food security and economic resilience. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
