Massive Rice Harvest Underway in Nasarawa State
The Nasarawa State Government has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural production, harvesting over six hundred thousand bags of rice from its extensive 3,300-hectare farm spanning Jangwa and Agwatashi communities. Governor Abdullahi Sule confirmed this development to journalists after conducting an inspection tour of the farmland that crosses both Awe and Obi Local Government Areas.
Harvesting Progress and Projections
Governor Sule revealed that harvesting operations began slightly more than two weeks ago and are expected to continue for another two weeks. With approximately 50% of the farmland already harvested, the state anticipates reaching its target of 1.2 million bags of rice once the remaining portions are completed.
"You know, we started harvesting a little over two weeks ago, and we still have about two more weeks to finish," the governor stated. "At the moment, just about 50 percent of the farm has been harvested. By the time the remaining portion is completed, Nasarawa State is expected to realise over 1.2 million bags of rice."
Strategic Processing and Marketing Plans
The harvested rice paddy is already being transported to milling facilities in Abuja and Lokoja, Kogi State for processing and packaging. Governor Sule announced that the state has established a partnership with SILVEX International, a prominent rice processing company, to purchase and process the rice under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand.
The processed product will be marketed as "NASACCO Gold" and is expected to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of Nasarawa rice in the market while contributing to national food security. "We will soon launch the NASACCO rice in Abuja after the harvest and milling of this year's produce," Governor Sule affirmed.
Long-term Agricultural Development
Governor Sule emphasized that the harvest initiative is designed to boost food availability, strengthen the state economy, and promote agricultural production among farming communities. The project aligns with President Bola Tinubu's agricultural transformation agenda aimed at increasing food production and creating employment opportunities nationwide.
The state government has implemented measures to ensure the sustainability of the project beyond the current administration's tenure, recognizing its potential for food security, job creation, and value-chain development. Clearing of the remaining farmland will commence after the current harvest in preparation for the next farming season, with expansion plans already underway for the next planting cycle.
Governor Sule expressed appreciation to host communities, security agencies, partners, state officials, and farm workers for their support throughout the farming season, acknowledging their crucial role in the project's success.
