Federal Govt Hails Nasarawa Over Home-grown Rice

The Federal Government through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has lauded Nasarawa’s leading role in the country’s food security drive.

It specifically hailed Nasarawa for the effort which culminated in the unveiling of the state’s home grown rice branded as “NASACCO Rice” by the Governor of Bengal Province of Angola, Dr. Dr Maria Antonio on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital.

Speaking at the unveiling of the NASACCO Rice and commissioning of the Nasarawa State One-Stop Investment Center, the minister noted that the dual ceremony  speaks eloquently to a leadership that understands that development is deliberate, not accidental.

“By simplifying investment processes and strengthening agricultural value addition, Nasarawa State is laying a firm foundation for sustainable growth,  job creation, and economic resilience,” Senator Kyari stated.

He said the unveiling of NASACCO Rice aligned strongly with the national agricultural policies or priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which emphasizes food security, private sector participation, value addition, and inclusive growth.

“Rice remains a strategic staple within this agenda, with national production now estimated at over 9 million metric tons annually.  What we see today is a clear example of how national policy direction  can be translated into tangible, market-ready outcomes of the subnational level,” he explained.

He said the initiatives are the product of focused leadership and disciplined reform under Governor Abdullahi Sule, adding that the gesture has led to over $88 million in agricultural and industrial investment, expanded commercial farming activities,  and successful cultivation and harvested over 8,000 hectares state-owned rice farms.  “These achievements demonstrate what is possible  when vision is matched with execution and accountability,” he stressed.

On his part Governor Sule said the agricultural revolution the state is experiencing today was an outcome of many years of planning and investment which began when he assumed the mantle of leadership in 2019.

He said he is particularly happy that the rice production efforts which commenced with the acquiring of 10,000 hectares of virgin land in Jangwa and Akwantashi areas has become the corner stone of the state’s and the country’s food security drive.

He disclosed that the farm currently has productively engaged over 6000 youths not just as farm hands but as key drivers of sustainable agricultural practices and mechanised farming which are key to the development of rural, subnational and national economy. He appreciated the agriculture minister and the  Bengal Province Governor and her team for joining the state in celebrating the success story.