Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed gladness over the high yields of the state-owned 10,000 hectares of rice farm located at Jangwa village in Awe Local Government Area (LGA).

Governor Sule, who was at the rice farm on Thursday to ascertain the level of harvest, said that Nasarawa State would take the lead in rice production to support the Tinubu food security agenda.

“From what we have all seen today, Nasarawa is not only the state of solid minerals but has shown the way that we can be part of the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu food security.

“In our effort to achieve this, we secured 10,000 hectares of land and started planting with 2,000 hectares, which is the first wet season farming. The yield is really good, as you all can see.

“With this yield, we will expand even beyond rice farming to other crops depending on the land texture.”

Governor Sule commended the host communities and the Ministry of Agriculture for their support and pledged to complete the ongoing road construction leading to the farm.

He called on the communities to ensure the safety and protection of the farm, as compensation would be paid to some of the occupants.

In his remarks, the farm manager, consultant Engr. Ibrahim Ogunwale, disclosed that the process started about six months ago and that the rice is now ripe for harvest.

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Mr. Ogunwale noted that the Faro 44 rice type and upland rice farm were used, and all technical procedures were applied to ensure the survival of the rice, leading to the high yield being witnessed.

Ogunwale said that so far, four tons are being harvested from each hectare. He expressed hope that when the entire 10,000 hectares are completed, not less than 40,000 tons would be harvested at every planting season.

Also, in his remarks, Hon. Shaku Justin, the village chief, commended Governor Sule for the project. Shaku said that the farm has helped in engaging hundreds of youths and women in the host communities.

He urged the state government to sustain the project because of its developmental effects both on the state and the nation and assured the governor that the youth will endeavor to protect both the workers and the farm.