As part of
activities of government to boost food production in Nigeria, the Hon. Minister
of State, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development yesterday
visited Nigeria Farmers’ Group and Cooperative Society Farm (NFGCS) at Gaate,
Kokona Local Government Area of Nassarawa State to inspect the facilities and
activities of the 3-year old farm. During the
visit, the Hon. Minister informed the management of NFGCS that he deemed
it fit to inspect the farm after a presentation made at the Ministry that was
too good to believe.

The Hon. Minister then toured the
farm and subsequently commended the youth who put their efforts together to
establish the fast growing farm. Hon. Mustapha Shehuri was impressed with the
attitude of these youth who have decided to up their own game by not venturing
into cybercrime nor seeking contract from the govt. They chose to go to the
forest and they are creating big wealth. They have employed hundreds of youth
they pay salaries as farmers, bricklayers, Engineers, Labourers, etc.

The NFGCS Farm
grows and processes varieties of farm produce which include rice, poultry,
livestock, crops, etc. According to reports, they supply to different companies
including hotels in faraway Lagos State.

The NFGCS farm
has a Unit where they fabricate farm equipment, part of which they use on their
farm.

However, the
management of NFGCS are appealing to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development to support the farm, especially with machines and chemicals.

In his response,
the minister invited the Management of the farm to the Ministry so as to
discuss areas the office can support them. “We will contribute our own quota as
a government to optimize their productivity. What i saw on the farm is the
definition of real Agriculture.”

The Minister,
further, commended the approach of NFGCS Farm Management to community issue as
a good way recommendable to solving Farmer/Herder clashes in Nigeria. Governors
who want to impact on their people are enjoined to go and study the farm and
borrow ideas.