Nasarawa Govt Partners Silvex International to Boost Rice Production

By David Odama

The Nasarawa State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with Silvex International, a leading rice processing company, to enhance rice production across the state.

Governor Abdullahi Sule announced the partnership during an inspection visit to the Jangwa/Agwatashi farm located in Awe and Keana Local Government Areas.

According to the Governor, Silvex International will purchase rice directly from farmers in the state and process it under the Nasarawa Agro-Commodity Company (NASACCO) brand. The rice, to be marketed as “NASACCO Gold,” will help boost the visibility and competitiveness of Nasarawa’s rice products in both local and national markets.

Governor Sule expressed appreciation to Silvex International for the collaboration, describing it as a realization of his administration’s vision to attract private sector investment into the agricultural sector. He added that the partnership would significantly expand rice production in the state, with plans to increase the farm’s size from 3,300 hectares to over 8,000 hectares in the near future.

Commending the youth and communities in Jangwa, Ayakeke, and Agwatashi for their dedication, the Governor noted that the farm had already grown from 2,000 hectares last year to 3,300 hectares this year, with plans for an additional 2,000 hectares next farming season.

“This expansion will further drive economic growth and create more opportunities for our people through agriculture,” Sule stated.

Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, Chief Operating Officer of Silvex International and Project Head of NASACCO, described the initiative as a milestone worth celebrating. He explained that the partnership would bring multiple benefits to the state, including increased tax revenues, value addition, and profit-sharing opportunities.

He praised Governor Sule’s commitment to transforming Nasarawa’s agricultural landscape, noting that Silvex plans to source paddy rice directly from local farmers to supply its processing plants.

During the visit, the partners carried out reconnaissance assessments and expressed satisfaction with the quality of rice being cultivated, describing the varieties as some of the best in the world.

The partnership with Silvex International marks a major step in Nasarawa State’s agricultural development agenda. With the NASACCO Gold brand expected to become a key player in Nigeria’s rice market, farmers across the state stand to benefit from increased demand and better prices for their produce.

This collaboration is set to significantly boost rice production, foster economic development, and improve the livelihoods of Nasarawa’s farming communities.