Nasarawa State Sets Sights on Massive Rice Production Milestone
Nasarawa State is making significant strides in agricultural production as Governor Abdullahi Sule announced an ambitious target of harvesting 1.2 million bags of rice from the state's expansive farm project. The revelation came during the governor's inspection visit to the rice fields located in Jangwa and Agwatashi, areas straddling the boundary between Awe and Obi local government areas.
Impressive Harvest Progress Recorded
During his assessment of the harvesting activities on Friday, Governor Sule expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress achieved within just two weeks of commencement. The state has already successfully harvested more than 600,000 bags of rice, representing approximately 50% of the total projected yield.
"This is about 50 per cent of the harvest so far, and we still have about two more weeks to the end of the harvest," the governor confirmed during his inspection tour.
The agricultural initiative has seen the state government cultivate 3,300 hectares of rice out of the total 10,000 hectares acquired specifically for this rice development project. This strategic investment in agriculture demonstrates the state's commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and contributing to national food security.
Strategic Partnerships and Brand Development
In a significant development for the project's sustainability and market presence, Governor Sule revealed that the state has entered into a strategic partnership with Silvex International, a prominent rice processing company. This collaboration will facilitate the purchase and processing of rice from the farm under the newly established Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand.
The processed rice product, which will be marketed as "NASACCO Gold", is expected to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Nasarawa rice in both local and national markets. The governor announced that transportation of harvested paddy to milling facilities in Abuja and Lokoja, Kogi State has already commenced.
"We will soon launch the NASACCO rice in Abuja after the harvest and milling of this year's produce," Sule declared, highlighting the state's plans for formal market entry.
Sustainable Agricultural Development and Future Plans
Looking beyond the current farming cycle, Governor Sule outlined comprehensive plans for project expansion and sustainability. Clearing operations for the remaining portion of the farmland will begin immediately after the current harvest concludes, preparing the ground for the next farming season.
The governor emphasized that the state government has implemented measures to ensure the project's continuity beyond the tenure of the current administration, recognizing its significant potential for food security, job creation, and value-chain development.
Governor Sule commended the host communities, security agencies, development partners, state officials, and farm workers for their unwavering support throughout the farming season. He also noted that the initiative aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu's agricultural transformation agenda, which aims to boost food production and create employment opportunities across Nigeria.
In a related development marking World Cervical Cancer Day, Nasarawa State has launched a complementary health initiative. The Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), in partnership with Pathfinder International, has initiated a comprehensive free cervical cancer screening program for women and HPV vaccination for adolescent girls in Kwandere, Lafia.
The program was officially inaugurated by Her Excellency Hajiya Salifat Abdullahi Sule, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, who passionately appealed to women to prioritize their health by utilizing these free services. "Health is wealth. Let us help ourselves by utilising this free cervical cancer screening provided by the state government and our partners for the well-being of our children," she urged.
