Over 18,000 Nasarawa farmers benefit from Japanese-backed Programme

FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – More than 18,000 smallholder farmers in Nasarawa State have benefited from an agricultural support Programme funded by the Japanese government and implemented by the Sasakawa Africa Association.

The Country Director of the association, Dr Godwin Atser, disclosed this during an assessment visit to farm sites in Obi and Doma Local Government Areas of the state.

The beneficiaries, drawn from more than 60 local cooperatives in the two local government areas, have received training and participated in demonstrations and capacity-building programmes aimed at helping them adopt improved crop production methods.

Following the training, more than 60 farm sites were established in Obi and Doma for the cultivation of improved varieties of maize, soybeans and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes during the 2026 planting season.

Programme promotes modern farming
Speaking to journalists after inspecting some of the farms, Dr Atser said the initiative represented a shift from traditional methods of crop production.

He said the Programme was designed to improve the quality, yield and marketability of agricultural produce while enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Dr Atser, who was represented during the inspection by the Technical Coordinator, Climate Resilience and Agri-Food Systems at the Sasakawa Africa Association, Nathaniel Otene, said food security depended largely on the extent to which rural farmers embraced modern technologies and improved agricultural practices.

He said the initiative focused on promoting climate-resilient agriculture, improved nutrition and the development of agricultural value chains.

The Country Director also stressed the importance of equipping farmers with the knowledge and technologies needed to adapt to the effects of climate change while increasing productivity.

Farmers seek stronger government support
Leaders of some of the farmers’ groups, Mallam Bashir Alana and Mrs Felicia Alaku, called on governments at all levels to prioritize agricultural extension services and mechanization.

They also appealed for subsidized improved seeds and other farm inputs to enable smallholder farmers to increase production and improve their incomes.

State government pledges support
The Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hajiya Salamatu Oseze, described the initiative as a major boost to food production in the state.

Mrs Oseze pledged the state government’s support for agricultural organizations and development partners working to build farmers’ capacity and promote sustainable food production.

ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA

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