Federal Gov’t, States Step Up Drive For Food Security

The federal government has restated its determination to achieve food security, drive economic diversification, and empower youth and women through investment in the agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the assurance during a working visit to the Jangwa Rice Farm in Ayarkeke, Awe local government area of Nasarawa State.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains focused on transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape to close the food demand gap and build a sustainable food system.

Kyari emphasised that collaboration between the federal government, state governments and private sector partners is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s food security architecture.

“The youths are the promise of tomorrow. When we invest in them today, we are securing the future of our nation,” he told farmers on the site, pledging continued government support and a return visit after harvest to assess the impact.

He noted that initiatives like the Jangwa Farm could encourage more states to invest in agriculture, boost rice production, and reduce imports, adding that the project also serves as a catalyst in the rice value chain.

In his remarks, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule highlighted the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s top rice-producing states and the largest producer of sesame.

He said the project has not only provided jobs for youth and women but also helped reduce crime in the state.

One of the governor’s legacy agricultural projects, the 1,300-hectare Jangwa Rice Farm, is divided into three segments: Block A (250ha), Block B (350ha), and Segment C (700ha).

It operates as a model for engaging young people and women in commercial farming. It uses high-quality Faro 45 and Faro 61 rice seeds sourced from Olam, which also serves as the major off-taker of the paddy.