Stakeholders in Nasarawa State have commended the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (FG/IFAD-VCDP) for its positive impact on agricultural development and rural livelihoods in the state.
The stakeholders gave the commendation during an inspection visit to VCDP project sites in Doma and Lafia Local Government Areas on Wednesday.
Mr Umar Tanko-Tunga, the Commissioner for Agriculture, lauded the Federal Government, the Nasarawa State Government, and IFAD for the successful implementation of the programme.
Tanko-Tunga, who was accompanied by members of the State House of Assembly, said the intervention had significantly transformed the lives of smallholder farmers and boosted agricultural productivity.
He described the programme as a “true value chain initiative” capable of enhancing food production and promoting value addition in agriculture.
“I have seen how smallholder farmers are being transformed and how the programme is positively impacting rural communities, which is one of our greatest concerns.
“This initiative will not only ensure food availability but also promote value addition and economic growth,” he said.
The commissioner assured that the state government would sustain the gains of the programme beyond its lifespan, noting that plans were underway to establish an agency that would take over its operations.
He also expressed confidence that the State House of Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing to ensure sustainability.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Mr Peter Akwe, said the lawmakers were impressed with the quality and impact of the projects.
Akwe noted that facilities such as the rice processing centre in Rutu Community in Doma have the capacity to meet local demand and supply neighboring states.
“As lawmakers, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability of this programme through appropriate legislation,” he said.
Mr Jonathan Addra, Chairman of Doma Local Government Council, and the Village Head of Rutu Community, Mr Usman Yusuf-Abise, also appreciated the intervention.
They commended the construction of a rice processing centre and a solar-powered borehole in the area, pledging that the facilities would be properly maintained.
A beneficiary, Mrs Margaret Agahwho, a physically challenged cassava farmer, attributed her success to the support she received from the programme.
Agahwho said proceeds from her farming activities enabled her to further her education and obtain a degree in Mass Communication.
Earlier, Dr Eunice Adgidzi, the State Programme Coordinator of VCDP, represented by her Technical Assistant, Mr Victor Alaku, said the programme focuses on supporting smallholder farmers engaged in rice and cassava value chains.
According to him, smallholder farmers account for over 80 per cent of food production in Nigeria, making their support critical to national food security.
He said the programme has improved rice yields from an initial 1.8 metric tonnes per hectare to between 4.8 and 5.5 metric tonnes per hectare through the adoption of improved agricultural practices.
Alaku added that the intervention also provides modern processing facilities and equipment, including steam parboiling machines, quality mills, destoning, and colour-sorting machines.
He said the initiative has enhanced the production of high-quality, stone-free rice, thereby contributing to the fight against food insecurity.
The coordinator further emphasized the programme’s commitment to inclusiveness, noting that persons with disabilities are also supported to participate actively in agricultural production.
