The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture has applauded the Federal Government/IFAD–Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP) for its significant contributions to agricultural growth across the state.
Speaking after an engagement with key stakeholders, the committee chairman, Dr. Peter Akwe, said findings from the interaction revealed that the VCDP has made remarkable progress in improving productivity and supporting farmers. He described the programme’s interventions as impactful and timely, noting that they have strengthened the state’s agricultural value chains.
Dr. Akwe urged the VCDP to broaden the scope of its operations beyond its current focus, stressing that extending the programme to other agricultural subsectors would further enhance food production and guarantee improved harvests for farmers in the state.
He also highlighted the recent launch of NASACO Rice, stating that the initiative positions Nasarawa State as a major rice-producing hub capable of feeding its population and contributing significantly to national food supply.
Presenting the programme’s performance report, the Knowledge Management and Communication Officer of FGN/IFAD-VCDP in Nasarawa State, Mr. Akwe Samson Jonath, disclosed that the programme has trained 62 beneficiaries on organic manure production to support rice and cassava farming. He added that 190 farmers in Doma Local Government Area have benefited from the Automatic Weather Station (AWS), which provides timely climate information to improve farm planning.
According to him, the programme has also supported 393 rice and cassava farmers across five local government areas by covering their agricultural insurance premiums, helping to reduce production risks and safeguard farmers’ investments.