The Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have commended a rice farmer, Okolo Jonathan, in Nasarawa State for expanding his rice cultivation to 54 hectares, a milestone that aligns with Nigeria’s food security agenda.
Dr. Eunice Adgidzi, Nasarawa State Coordinator of the IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), made the commendation during a supervisory visit to the farm in Awe Local Government Area on Sunday.
She noted that Jonathan, along with 14 others, received training in rice seedling production from the VCDP in 2021, where they were each provided with startup kits to cultivate one hectare of land.
“We are proud of Jonathan for scaling his farm from one hectare in 2021 to 54 hectares in 2024. He has not only grown as a farmer but has transitioned into a service provider by supplying rice seedlings to other farmers,” Adgidzi said.
The programme coordinator also praised the farmer for his adoption of mechanized farming practices, including the use of a combined harvester to efficiently manage the large-scale rice farm.
She expressed confidence that with the performance of Jonathan and others who have expanded their farming operations, the VCDP’s goal of improving food security and reducing poverty would be realized.
Jonathan, while appreciating the VCDP, attributed his success to the training and support provided by the program.
“I started with one hectare after the training, and by 2023, I increased to five hectares. Now, in 2024, I’m farming on 54 hectares. I’m trusting God that I will continue to improve until I achieve my target,” he said.
He further shared his aspiration to own a combined harvesting machine in the future, citing its ability to reduce post-harvest losses by up to 80%.
The Logistics Manager of Sasala Agro-Bis, owners of the combined harvester, Olanrewaju Alabi, added that the machine is not only efficient but also affordable.
“We rent it out for N200,000 per hectare, and it can harvest a hectare within one hour while minimizing crop loss,” he said.