The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Agriculture, on Thursday, embarked on an inspection visit to the expansive Jangwa Rice Farm, one of the flagship agricultural investments of the State Government, as the large-scale harvest officially commences.
The visit comes as the state intensifies efforts to achieve food security, with the government targeting over 3,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice from the ongoing harvest.
The Jangwa facility is part of a massive 10,000-hectare rice development project, out of which 3,300 hectares have already been cultivated and are currently under harvest by the technical team.
In line with the government’s determination to meet its output target, 500 workers have been deployed to the site.
During the inspection, lawmakers observed harvesting machines and field workers actively engaged across the vast expanse, underscoring the State Government’s renewed push to boost food production.
The head of the technical team, Naphtali Jarumi Dacho, disclosed that 30 metric tonnes of paddy rice have been harvested so far.
He added that the farm expects 100 truckloads, translating to 3,000 metric tonnes by the end of the exercise.
Dacho explained the post-harvest process, noting that the paddy is packaged and delivered to Silvex International Company for processing and branding under the NASACO label for commercial distribution.
Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Special Duties, Hon. Mohammed Iyimoga Oyigye, highlighted the farm’s broader impact, stating that several government interventions, including rural road expansion and the distribution of free farm inputs—are direct dividends of the project.
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Dr. Ibrahim Peter Akwe, described the farm as a major breakthrough in the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his proactive approach to combating food insecurity.
Dr. Akwe urged the technical team to sustain its efforts, stressing the need to deploy additional harvesters to prevent losses as more rice continues to dry on the fields.
Lawmakers also inspected the ongoing construction of the Ribi–Jangwa road, awarded by the State Government to ease the transportation of farm produce.
The road, now nearing completion, was applauded by the legislators for its potential to boost economic activities in the area.
The Jangwa Rice Farm continues to stand as a testament to Nasarawa State’s commitment to large-scale agriculture and its strategic food security initiatives under the current administration.
