Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the Nasarawa State Government of the federal government’s support for its agricultural policy aimed at boosting rice production across the state’s 13 local government councils.
Shettima made this pledge during a one-day visit to the state, where he flagged off the distribution of rice paddy and tractors to local government areas and traditional rulers in Lafia, the state capital.
“Nasarawa State is the agricultural powerhouse of the nation, capable of feeding the entire country,” Shettima said. “Many investors, even from Bayelsa and other places, are eager to invest in farming activities here.”
Shettima commended Governor Abdullahi Sule’s leadership in promoting peaceful coexistence and harnessing the state’s agricultural potential to increase food surplus, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope food security agenda.
“The federal government will continue to provide necessary support to enable the nation overcome current hardships through increased food production,” Shettima added.
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Governor Sule welcomed the Vice President’s support, thanking him for the federal government’s N3 billion ecological fund to states affected by flooding. Sule explained that the fund was used to rebuild collapsed bridges, procure building materials, and provide food items to flood victims.
The governor also outlined the state’s rice production plans, having secured 10,000 hectares of land and farmed 2,000 hectares. With 90% of the produce sold to Olam Rice, the remaining 10% will be distributed to local governments to boost food surplus.