The Nasarawa State Government, in partnership with Silvex International, has announced plans of branding the state rice to NASACCO Rice.
Governor Abdullahi Sule stated this while inspecting the state government rice farm in Jangwa community, Awe Local Government Area of the state.
He said the partnership will allow Silvex International to purchase rice directly from the state’s farms and package it under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand.
“The rice, which will be marketed as ‘NASACCO Gold,’ is expected to increase the visibility and marketability of the state’s rice products,” he said.
Governor Sule expressed gratitude to Silvex International for the partnership, describing it as a fulfilment of his administration’s efforts to attract private investment into the state’s agricultural sector. He noted that the collaboration is also expected to increase rice production in the state, with plans to expand the farm’s hectarage from 3,300 hectares to over 8,000 hectares in the near future.
The Governor commended the youth and communities in the Jangwa, Ayakeke, and Agwatashi areas for their hard work and dedication to the farm’s success. He highlighted the state’s progress in agricultural development, stating that the farm had expanded from 2,000 hectares last year to 3,300 hectares this year.
“We plan to expand the farm by another 2,000 hectares next season, taking the total to over 5,000 hectares. This expansion is expected to boost economic growth and development in the state through agriculture,” he said.
Major milestone
Speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Silvex International and Project Head of Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO), Mr Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, described the partnership as a major milestone for the company. He explained that the collaboration would benefit the state in several ways, including taxes, value addition, and sharing of end profits.
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The Silvex COO commended Governor Sule’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector in Nasarawa State and beyond. He noted that the partnership would boost rice production in the state, with plans to source paddy rice from the state’s farms to supply the company’s processing facilities.
During their visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm, he said, “We conducted reconnaissance surveys and assessed the quality of the rice being produced. We expressed satisfaction with the quality of the rice, noting that the varieties being grown are among the best in the world.”
“The NASACCO brand is expected to become a major player in the Nigerian rice market, and the state’s farmers would benefit from increased demand and better prices for their produce,” Mr Ibrahim added.
He said the partnership is a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural development and is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Nasarawa State.
With the combined efforts of the state government and Silvex International, the state’s rice production is expected to rise significantly, contributing to economic growth and development.