Nasarawa State government has commenced the first phase of rice harvesting from the 10,000 hectares of farm it acquired under the federal government’s food section programme.
Governor Abdullahi Sule personally surprised the rice harvest from the large expanse of land in Jangwa, Awe local government area of the state yesterday.
According to him, 2000 hectares of the land were used for rice cultivation six months ago, adding that the product was due for harvest weeks ago.
He also explained that out of the 10,000 hectares, the government would compensate the community members for 300 hectares already occupied for other activities.
He said the project aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which aims to ensure food security in the country.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that President Bola Tinubu stated in January 2024 that the federal government would cultivate about 500,000 hectares of farmlands to combat hunger in the country.
“I am well aware that for some time now, the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation, which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.
“To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops”, Tinubu stated.
The governor said the state was identified as a key player in achieving the federal government’s food security agenda.
He said the harvest has been encouraging, noting that the state government would invest more in the drive.
Sule explained that due to the improved variety of the rice, the crop would be cultivated twice in a year.
“The project is an inclusive one as it has carried both the youths and women in the planting and harvesting the rice. A lot of indigenes have been employed as a result of this farm.
“As part of efforts to ease transportation of the farm produce, we have awarded the contract for the construction of 18 kilometres asphalt road from Rabi to Jangwa community,” he said.
