A farmer in Nasarawa State has garnered recognition for his remarkable achievement in rice cultivation, successfully scaling up his operations from one hectare to 30 hectares with the support of the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This recognition aligns with the government’s broader objective of enhancing food security in Nigeria. The commendation was given by Dr. Eunice Adgidzi, the Nasarawa State Programme Coordinator for the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), who visited the farmer’s rice farm in Awe Local Government Area to oversee his progress. This initiative underscores the importance of agricultural development in empowering local farmers and improving food production nationwide.
Dr. Adgidzi noted that the VCDP played a pivotal role in the farmer’s success story by providing training in rice seedling production back in 2021. Alongside Oklo Jonathan, the beneficiary, 14 other aspiring farmers were also educated and given starter kits to cultivate rice on one hectare of land. The dramatic growth of Jonathan’s farm from a modest beginning to a multi-hectare operation within three years is not only a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit but also reflects the effectiveness of the VCDP training program. Dr. Adgidzi expressed pride in Jonathan’s transformation from a participant to a mechanized rice farmer, highlighting how he has become an asset to the community by supplying rice seedlings to other farmers.
As a result of his hard work and dedication, Oklo Jonathan has become a service provider while simultaneously advancing his farming operations. Dr. Adgidzi revealed that other beneficiaries of the VCDP had also expanded their farms, with some managing up to three hectares, strengthening the program’s objective to enhance food security and alleviate poverty. This collective growth illustrates the ripple effect of effective agricultural training and resources on local economies, enabling smallholder farmers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to food production in Nigeria.
Jonathan expressed deep gratitude to the VCDP for their invaluable support, attributing his achievements to the skills and knowledge he acquired during the training. Starting from one hectare, he expanded his rice farming base to five hectares in 2023 and now operates on 30 hectares. Despite his success, Jonathan is driven by the aspiration to continue growing and innovating within the agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of mechanization in farming, particularly noting the efficiency of using a combined harvesting machine, which significantly reduces post-harvest losses, allowing him to maximize his yields.
The logistics manager of Sasala Agro-Bis, which owns the combined harvester, Olanrewaju Alabi, provided insights into the machinery’s operational efficiency. He highlighted that the harvesting machine is both effective and affordable, capable of harvesting one hectare of rice within just one hour. The cost of hiring the machine is set at N200,000 per hectare, a small investment given the significant reduction in harvest loss. Alabi’s endorsement of the machine showcases the vital role of modern agricultural equipment in helping farmers enhance productivity and ensure better returns on their investments.
In summary, Oklo Jonathan’s transformation from a novice farmer to a successful rice cultivator exemplifies the potential of targeted agricultural programs to transform lives and contribute to national food security. His journey reflects the impact of proper training, support, and access to modern farming tools in empowering local farmers to scale their operations sustainably. The successes of Jonathan and others within the VCDP framework serve as an encouraging narrative for policymakers and agricultural advocates, reinforcing the necessity of continuing investment in agricultural development as a cornerstone for food security and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
