By Amina Gupta
The Federal Government has rated Nasarawa State highly in the implementation of the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), recognising its contributions to sustainable food security and economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the distribution of processing, logistics, and post-harvest equipment to VCDP farmers in Nasarawa.
He commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his political will and consistent actions promoting agriculture, investment, and the launch of NASACO Rice, which enhances commodity aggregation, value addition, market access, and export competitiveness.
Senator Kyari highlighted that over 3,000 hectares of farmland have been cultivated under the programme, and the state promptly met its counterpart funding obligations for VCDP, demonstrating strong institutional commitment.
He emphasised that agriculture is central to food security, economic diversification, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Governor Sule expressed appreciation for the federal initiative, noting that the state’s alignment with VCDP objectives has boosted food production and empowered small-scale farmers.
The National Coordinator of VCDP, Hajiya Fatima Aliyu, added that the programme targets small-scale farmers in nine states across the country.
The event concluded with the presentation of 46 royal tricycles, 18 rice milling machines, fertilisers, and other farm inputs, reflecting a policy drive to strengthen agricultural value chains, enhance productivity, and support rural livelihoods in Nasarawa State.
