The Nasarawa State Government has pledged its support for the N6.4 billion Doma Agrocity Project, designed to empower 1,000 farming households through sesame cultivation and processing for export.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding between the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) and Amisek Industrial Company Limited, covering 1,000 hectares at the Doma Dam.
Mr Abdulmuttallib Mohammed, Managing Director of Amisek, disclosed the project details during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia on Thursday, alongside LBRBDA officials.
The 15-year concession spans 950 hectares of irrigated sesame farms, including 600 hectares for a nucleus farm and 350 hectares for an out-grower scheme.
Each household is expected to earn up to N3 million annually, with production occurring twice a year.
The project will create 1,000 smallholder out-growers, considered household units with access to health insurance and educational support. Children will receive training in agricultural mechanisation to encourage youth skill development rather than working on farms.
Mohammed described the project as an agricultural real estate model that integrates the production, processing, storage, and trade of certified organic sesame for export. 50 hectares have been set aside for infrastructure, agroforestry buffers, schools, and social amenities.
Energy will be supplied through solar-powered irrigation, a 10-metric-ton-per-hour sesame processing plant, and a one-megawatt solar mini-grid.
LBRBDA Managing Director, Mr Terese Ninga, said the partnership aligns with Nasarawa’s development vision to harness Doma Dam for agricultural transformation and water security.
Governor Sule commended the initiative and praised Amisek for allocating 350 hectares to out-growers, ensuring 1,000 farmers benefit with assured offtake.
He reaffirmed the government’s full support and directed relevant agencies to collaborate with LBRBDA and Amisek for the effective implementation and sustainability of the initiative.
Source: Champion News
