FG commissions processing centres, distributes equipment to Nasarawa farmers

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commenced the distribution of processing and post-harvest equipment to farmers and agribusiness groups supported under the Value Chain Development Programme in Nasarawa State, according to a statement signed by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of the Department of Information.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, during a two-day working visit to Lafia, said the programme is implemented in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Kyari said the intervention is designed to add value to farm produce. It is also designed to reduce post-harvest losses.

He said the programme will empower women and youth farmers, improve competitiveness and raise productivity levels.
The minister explained that the equipment will support enterprise growth. It will also deepen market participation and expand rural employment opportunities.

He said it targets key constraints in the rice and cassava value chains through integrated investments in production, aggregation, processing, infrastructure, market access and institutional strengthening. He added that the programme aligns with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.

Kyari said the intervention supports the agricultural transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said agriculture is being repositioned as a modern, market-oriented and private sector-driven enterprise, with Nasarawa State playing a leading role.
He identified the Nasarawa Agro Commodity Company and the One Stop Investment Centre as initiatives improving the state’s investment climate. He commended Abdullahi Sule governor of Nasarawa State, for promoting large-scale cultivation to boost food supply, stabilise prices, conserve foreign exchange and create jobs.

The minister noted that federal and state collaboration has delivered functional aggregation centres, modern processing facilities and stronger producer organisations. He said the outcomes include job creation and improved rural incomes, with a positive impact on national food security.

Fatima Aliyu, national programme coordinator, FG/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme, said the initiative supports rice and cassava smallholder farmers using a value chain approach.

She said the programme will improve productivity, expand agro processing and increase access to markets. She added that it will enhance food security, incomes and employment in rural areas.

Patience Wombo, chairman Ashwangwa Rice Innovation Platform, spoke on behalf of beneficiaries. She pledged proper maintenance and protection of the facilities to boost production, packaging and distribution.

During the visit, the minister commissioned several FGN/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme facilities in Lafia.