Farmers in Nasarawa State have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for their ongoing support in boosting rice production across the state. The FGN, in partnership with IFAD, has empowered several farmer organizations in five of the state’s 13 Local Government Areas, addressing rice shortages and advancing food security.
During a recent stakeholders’ field visit to the Dry Season Rice Farmlands in Lower Benue Phase One and the Rice Aggregation Center in Doma Local Government Area (LGA), farmers under the Alekuwole Esewoga Cooperative Society shared their gratitude for the vital farming inputs provided by the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), which have significantly boosted their yields.
Yakubu Abubakar, Chairman of the cooperative, told journalists that rice shortages had been a common issue among farmers before the VCDP’s intervention. “Now, with the constant support of the programme, we have more than enough rice to feed our families and sell during both the rainy and dry seasons,” he said. He further emphasized that the group is now cultivating five hectares of land in Doma LGA, with sufficient rice production made possible by the consistent backing of the VCDP.
“We are truly grateful for the support we’ve received, and we promise to continue our efforts to produce enough rice for the entire state,” Abubakar added.
Dr. Eunice Adgidzi, State Coordinator of the FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme, explained that the initiative aims to increase the capacity of rice farmers and ensure that there is enough food to meet the needs of the growing population in Nasarawa. In addition to Doma LGA, the programme also supports farmers in Lafia, Wamba, Nasarawa, and Karu LGAs, fostering food security throughout the state.
“Today, we invited stakeholders to witness firsthand the impact of our work. While we regularly engage with farmers, it’s important for the broader community to understand the progress we’re making,” Dr. Adgidzi said. “Here in Lower Benue Phase One of Doma LGA, around 8 to 10 hectares are being cultivated for rice, and farmers in other locations are also participating in dry season farming.”
To further support the state’s rice industry, Dr. Adgidzi highlighted the recent establishment of a modern Rice Aggregation Center in the Doma market, designed to streamline rice collection and processing.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Umaru Tanko-Tunga, also praised the FG and IFAD for their continuous support of dry-season rice farming. He encouraged the benefiting farmer organizations to stay committed to achieving food sufficiency in the state.
Tanko-Tunga assured that the state government remains dedicated to supporting the FGN and IFAD’s efforts to ensure the long-term success of the Value Chain Development Programme, which plays a critical role in securing the future of food production in Nasarawa.
Thanks to this vital partnership, Nasarawa’s rice farmers are well on their way to overcoming previous challenges, and the state is making significant strides toward achieving lasting food security.
