Agric minister visits 1,300-hectare rice farm in Nasarawa, pledges food security

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to achieving food security and economic diversification through agricultural development.

Abubakar Kyari, Miinister of Agriculture and Food Security, gave the assurance during a working visit to Jangwa Rice Farm in Ayarkeke, Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, over the weekend.

The 1,300-hectare rice farm serves as a model for youth and women engagement in commercial agriculture, sourcing high-quality seeds from Olam, which also serves as the major off-taker of the paddy.

The minister emphasised Federal Government’s focus on transforming the agricultural landscape to meet the nation’s growing food demand.

He noted that the visit underscores the shared commitment of both Federal and State Governments towards achieving food self-sufficiency and fostering inclusive agricultural development.

Kyari said, “The Federal Government’s agricultural policies are aimed at closing the country’s food demand deficit and achieving sustainable food systems.”

He added that the Federal Government would work closely with the State Governments and Private Sector partners to strengthen Nigeria’s food security programme.

Related News

Noting that the objective would only be realised through increased investments in food production by State Governments and Private Sector partners, Kyari said the Government’s agricultural policies aim to close the Country’s food demand deficit and achieve sustainable food systems through increased investments in food production by State Governments and Private Sector partners.

“The youths are the promise of tomorrow. When we invest in them today, we are securing the future of our nation”, he added.

He further noted that Government plans to boost rice production and reduce importation, with Nasarawa State being one of the top rice-producing States and the largest producer of sesame in the Country.

Kyari highlighted the shared commitment of Federal and State Governments towards achieving food self-sufficiency and fostering inclusive agricultural development.

Also speaking Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State noted that the initiative had provided opportunities for positive engagement of youths and women in farming, reducing crime rate in the State.

“Nasarawa remains one of the top rice-producing states and is currently the largest producer of sesame in the country.

“This initiative has provided an opportunity to positively engage the youth and women in farming, and it has also reduced crime in the State”, the governor added.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.