Nasarawa Government Partners with Silvex International To Boost Rice Production

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NASACCO Gold’ to Market Locally Grown Rice, Expansion Plans Set to Increase Farm Hectarage to Over 8,000

By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia

In a major boost for agricultural development, the Nasarawa State Government has partnered with Silvex International, a leading rice processing company, to increase rice production in the state.

The partnership was announced by Governor Abdullahi Sule during a visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm in Awe and Keana local government areas.

Under the agreement, Silvex International will purchase rice directly from the state’s farms and package it under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand.

The rice, marketed as “NASACCO Gold,” is expected to raise the visibility and marketability of locally produced rice.

Governor Sule praised Silvex International for the collaboration, describing it as a fulfillment of his administration’s commitment to attracting private investment into the state’s agricultural sector.

He revealed that the partnership is expected to increase rice production, with plans to expand the farm’s hectarage from 3,300 hectares to over 8,000 hectares in the near future.

The Governor also commended the youth and local communities in Jangwa, Ayakeke, and Agwatashi for their dedication to the farm’s success.

Highlighting the state’s progress, he noted that the farm had expanded from 2,000 hectares last year to 3,300 hectares this year, with plans to increase by another 2,000 hectares next season, taking the total to over 5,000 hectares initially.

Speaking on behalf of Silvex International, Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer and Project Head of NASACCO, described the partnership as “a huge celebration” for the company.

He highlighted the benefits for Nasarawa State, including tax contributions, value addition, and sharing of end profits, while commending Governor Sule’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.

During a visit to the farm, the partners conducted reconnaissance surveys and assessed the quality of the rice being produced.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the quality, noting that the varieties grown, including internationally recognized types, are among the best in the world.

The partnership is a strategic component of the state’s efforts to promote economic growth through agriculture.

With NASACCO Gold poised to become a major player in the Nigerian rice market, farmers are expected to benefit from increased demand and better prices for their produce.

Governor Sule concluded that the collaboration between the state government and Silvex International marks a significant milestone in Nasarawa’s agricultural development.