Taraba State has recently celebrated its first successful harvest from the newly revived Greenhouse project, marking a significant achievement in the region’s agricultural sector.
The harvest, which included green pepper and cucumber, is seen as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to embrace modern farming techniques.
Navon Gil, the Project Manager of the Greenhouse, described the successful yield as a major breakthrough.
“This is a new dawn for Greenhouse farming in Taraba. This technology is here to stay, and it is among the best in the world,” he said in a statement issued from Abuja.
According to him, the successful harvest signals the revival of a project that had previously faced administrative neglect.
He attributed the success of the Greenhouse to the adoption of soil-less farming methods, an advanced technique that eliminates the need for traditional soil cultivation.
Gil emphasized that this method could potentially position Taraba as a leader in Nigeria’s agricultural revolution.
“The success we’ve seen here could establish Taraba as one of the most technologically advanced states in the country’s agricultural sector,” he noted.
Gil also acknowledged the critical role of the Taraba State government in the revival of the Greenhouse.
He credited Governor Agbu Kefas for turning the project around.
According to him, the Greenhouse, which was once popularly known as the “Cucumber Farm,” had nearly become defunct due to previous administrative neglect.
“Governor Kefas took decisive action to review and revive the project, bringing it back from the brink,” Gil said.
The Greenhouse’s revival is part of efforts by the state government to drive agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Gil highlighted that the harvest on Thursday was the result of dedication, technical expertise, and strong leadership.
One of the project’s partners, Ohad Shiltman, also spoke on the initiative’s impact.
He reiterated the commitment to meeting both local and national demand for produce.
“We are not just focusing on national markets but ensuring that Taraba residents also benefit directly from this harvest and the opportunities it creates,” he said.
Shiltman further pointed out that the Greenhouse would play an important role in capacity-building, particularly for students and future entrepreneurs.
“This facility will serve as a training ground for the next generation of agro-preneurs,” he said, adding that its proximity to institutions like Taraba State University and the College of Agriculture made it a valuable resource for agricultural education.
According to Shiltman, the Greenhouse is more than just a farm; it is a growth engine for the state.
He concluded by saying, “The Greenhouse will create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and help Taraba become a hub for modern agricultural practices.”
