In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria's agricultural sector, the Nasarawa State Government has entered a strategic partnership with Silvex International, a leading rice processing company, to dramatically boost rice production across the state.
Governor Announces Major Agricultural Expansion
Governor Abdullahi Sule made the announcement during his inspection visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm located across Awe and Keana local government areas. The partnership represents a major achievement for the administration's ongoing efforts to attract private investment into agriculture.
The collaboration will see Silvex International purchasing rice directly from state farms and marketing it under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company brand as "NASACCO Gold." This branding strategy aims to increase both visibility and marketability for Nasarawa's rice products in the competitive Nigerian market.
Massive Farm Expansion Plans Revealed
The partnership comes with ambitious expansion targets that could transform the state's agricultural landscape. Governor Sule disclosed that the farm's hectarage is set to expand from the current 3,300 hectares to over 8,000 hectares in the near future.
This represents remarkable growth from just 2,000 hectares in the previous year. The governor further revealed plans to add another 2,000 hectares in the next planting season, bringing the total to over 5,000 hectares before the ultimate expansion to 8,000 hectares.
Governor Sule specifically praised the youth and communities in Jangwa, Ayakeke, and Agwatashi areas for their dedication and hard work that contributed to the farm's success story.
Economic Benefits and Private Sector Confidence
Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Silvex International and Project Head of NASACCO, described the partnership as a major celebration for his company. He outlined multiple benefits for Nasarawa State including:
- Increased tax revenue generation
- Value addition to local agricultural products
- Profit sharing arrangements
- Enhanced rice production capacity
The Silvex COO commended Governor Sule's commitment to agricultural transformation and confirmed that the company plans to source paddy rice directly from Nasarawa farms to feed its processing facilities.
During their joint visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm, both parties conducted thorough reconnaissance surveys and quality assessments of the rice being produced. They expressed satisfaction with the quality, noting that the varieties grown rank among the best globally.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nasarawa's agricultural development journey. With combined government support and private sector expertise, the state is positioned to become a major player in Nigeria's rice market while boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods for local farmers.
