By Oluchi Opara
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has flagged off the distribution of processing and post-harvest equipment to support farmers and agribusiness groups under the Value Chain Development Programme in Nasarawa State.
Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the intervention aims to reduce post-harvest losses, empower women and youth farmers, increase competitiveness, and boost productivity.
He explained that the programme, implemented with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, addresses structural challenges in rice and cassava production through investments in processing, infrastructure, market access, and institutional strengthening.
Senator Kyari noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, agriculture is now a modern, market-oriented, and private-sector-driven sector, with Nasarawa State leading the way.
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his efforts to expand cultivation, boost food supply, stabilize prices, and create jobs.
On his part, Governor Abdullahi Sule affirmed that the state’s agricultural programmes align with the federal Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic diversification and wealth creation for farmers.
Also the National Programme Coordinator of the VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu, said the initiative will help small holder rice and cassava farmers increase productivity, promote agro-processing, improve market access, achieve food security, raise incomes, and create employment opportunities in rural Nigeria.
