By Esther Akaa

In a move to curb the country’s growing hunger, the Nasarawa State government has commenced the harvest of its 10,000-hectare rice farm located in Jangwa, Awe Local Government Area ( LGA) of Nasarawa State.

Governor Abdullahi Sule who visited the farm to monitor the harvest on Thursday, said 2,000 hectares was planted six months ago.

Sule explained that due to the improved variety of the rice, the crop would be cultivated twice in a year, saying that the project was in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at ensuring food security in the country.

“The project is an inclusive one as it has carried both the youths and women in the planting and harvesting of the rice . A lot of indigenes have been employed as a result of this farm.

“As part of efforts to ease transportation of the farm produce, we have awarded contract for the construction of 18 kilometers asphalt road from Rabi to Jangwa community,” he said.

The governor also said that out of the 10,000 hectares, government would compensate the community members for 300 hectares already occupied for other activities.

He appreciated the people of the state, especially Jangwa community for their cooperation and support so far and called for its sustenance.

In separate interviews with White , a community in Ayarkeke – Jangwa community, Zaki Justin Shaku and a youth leader in the community , Mr Yusuf Jangwa, both lauded the state government for conceiving the initiative.

They said that the project has so far benefitted both youths and women and called for more of such initiatives to improve the standard of living of the people.

The duo called on the Government to provide more infrastructure especially road network to the community to enable the transportation of their farm produce to the markets.