Esther Salifu
In a strategic move to tackle Nigeria’s food demand gap, the Federal Government and Nasarawa State have teamed up to transform a 1,300-hectare rice farm in Jangwa, Awe Local Government Area, into a model of large-scale, youth-driven agriculture.
During a weekend working visit to the farm, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, declared that the initiative reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to food security, economic diversification, and empowering young people and women.
“This project is a clear demonstration that the youths are the promise of tomorrow. When we invest in them today, we are securing the future of our nation,” Kyari stated, promising to return after harvest to assess its impact on livelihoods. He emphasized that the Federal Government will deepen collaboration with state governments and private sector partners to close Nigeria’s food deficit and reduce dependency on imports.
The Jangwa farm divided into three production blocks (250ha, 350ha, and 700ha) uses high-yield Faro 45 and Faro 61 seeds supplied by Olam, which also acts as the main off-taker of the paddy.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, who accompanied the minister, highlighted that Nasarawa remains one of Nigeria’s top rice-producing states and the largest producer of sesame nationwide. He noted that the project has not only boosted agricultural productivity but also created jobs, reduced crime, and showcased the potential of agriculture as a tool for socio-economic transformation.
With the farm serving as a hub for youth and women in commercial agriculture, stakeholders see it as a blueprint for replicating large-scale rice production across the country to meet growing demand and strengthen food security.
