Governor Abdullahi Sule on Tuesday inaugurated the Nasarawa State Agro Commodity Company (NASACCO) to produce rice known as the “NASACCO Gold Rice.”
Speaking at the event in Lafia, the governor stated that the move would boost food security in the state and the country as a whole.
He said the move was in collaboration with Silvex International, a leading rice-processing company in the country.
Mr Sule explained that Silvex had purchased the rice paddy from state-owned farms in the Jangwa and Agwatashi communities in the Awe and Obi Local Government Areas of the state.
He further explained that the rice would be processed and branded as “NASACCO Gold Rice.”
Mr Sule added that the unveiling of the rice brand would simplify investment processes and strengthen agricultural value addition in the state.
“This will boost food security, attract investment, and implement strategies for sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Mr Sule said the initiative had aligned with the federal government’s Renewed Hope policy on agriculture, aimed at ensuring food security, private sector participation, value addition, and inclusive growth.
The governor thanked Silvex for the partnership, adding that the move was part of his administration’s efforts to attract private investors to the state.
Mr Sule promised that the processed rice would be sold to the public at a 10 percent discount at the current market price of 50 kilogrammes.
The governor, who called on Nigerians to patronise the product, described it as one of the best in the market.
In his remarks, Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the governor for the initiative to boost the economy and promote food security and the agricultural value chain.
The minister, represented by Ibrahim Alkali, a director in the ministry, noted that the initiative would attract development through private sector participation.
(NAN)