Determined to transform Nasarawa State into an agricultural powerhouse, Governor Abdullahi Sule has taken bold steps to secure international partnerships that will drive mechanised farming and boost food production. His recent working visits to China and India have opened new opportunities for collaboration with global industry leaders in agricultural technology. From engaging with top manufacturers of tractors and farm equipment to exploring large-scale cassava processing and modern farming techniques, Governor Sule is laying the foundation for a future where every arable land in Nasarawa is fully cultivated and utilised for economic growth,  writes 

Bent on cultivating every piece of arable land in Nasarawa State and drive agricultural transformation, Governor Abdullahi Sule has taken the state’s agricultural ambitions beyond Africa, forging global partnerships in Asia.

In January 2025, Governor Sule embarked on a week-long working visit to Beijing, China, on the invitation of LOVOL Heavy Industries Company Ltd., a leading manufacturer of tractors and farm equipment. LOVOL is also a reputable producer of rice harvesters, similar to those recently deployed at the state-owned rice farm in Jangwa.

During his visit, the governor also engaged with another Chinese company currently constructing a factory in Gudi to process cassava into starch and other allied products. Nasarawa State has continued to attract significant interest, particularly in the areas of mining and agriculture, due to the Sule-led administration’s commitment to industrialisation and wealth creation.

However, despite his ambition to see every arable land in the state cultivated, Governor Sule expressed concerns about the vast, fertile land in Nasarawa that remains grossly underutilised.

Governor Sule shared his vision with Mr. Chen Qiang during a five-hour high-speed train ride from China’s densely populated Henan province to the mineral-rich Nanchang in Jiangxi province. As the train sped at 304 kilometres per hour, the governor marvelled at the well-cultivated farmlands across the region.

“I look forward to a partnership that will see every available land cultivated as is visible in the agriculture-rich area spanning Henan province,” he said.

He further explained that his administration plans to implement the cluster farming model, leveraging crops best suited for specific regions of the state to create what he termed “core agriculture zones.”

Governor Sule noted that his government had already taken practical steps towards this vision, such as distributing tractors and seedlings to all Local Government Areas in the state.

In response, Mr. Chen Qiang expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Nasarawa State to drive large-scale mechanised farming. He acknowledged that Nasarawa’s land is even richer than some parts of China, further strengthening the company’s interest in investing in the state’s agriculture.

Building on the momentum from China, Governor Sule embarked on another three-day working visit to India on 14 July 2024. His visit was aimed at advancing mechanised farming in Nasarawa State and aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security initiatives.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, major Indian companies and investors expressed interest in taking their businesses to Nasarawa. According to a statement issued to journalists, Governor Sule’s engagements in India focused on acquiring more tractors for farmers, developing silos to reduce post-harvest losses, and introducing modern harvesters.

“We are eager to quickly mechanise and deploy technology in our agricultural practices. We want to boost food production and complement the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives,” the statement read.

During a high-profile business meeting that brought together investors, diplomats, and industry leaders, Governor Sule outlined Nasarawa’s investment opportunities and the state’s favourable business environment. Discussions spanned various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, textiles, education, infrastructure, health, and agriculture.

On the second day of his visit, the governor sought a partnership with Mahindra, India’s leading tractor and farm implement manufacturer, to establish a tractor maintenance workshop in Nasarawa State.

During a visit to Mahindra’s plant in Nagpur, Governor Sule expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities, emphasising that a maintenance facility would provide immense benefits for the state’s mechanised farming efforts.

He also sought collaboration in manpower development through training and re-training of young people in technical and technology-driven agricultural fields. Touring the facility for over two hours, the governor engaged with technical staff and heads of various departments, observing every stage of production—from raw materials to the fully assembled tractors.

As part of the visit, he conducted quality testing, engaged in virtual painting, and even test-drove a 75-horsepower tractor. He later inspected departments and facilities at GH Raisoni College of Engineering to explore further educational collaborations.

Governor Sule took a decisive step to ensure that all tractors purchased by the state government are effectively utilised. He ordered that all government-acquired tractors be tracked to monitor their locations and ensure they are in active use year-round.

Speaking during a presentation meeting with Mahindra officials, he instructed the state commissioner for agriculture, who was present at the meeting, to closely monitor the deployment and usage of the tractors.

“Farmers in Nasarawa State must take advantage of all the initiatives and gestures of government to massively improve agricultural production,” he stated.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the governor’s team to assess advanced production techniques and quality control measures that could enhance efficiency across the crop value chain.

During the final leg of the visit, Governor Sule and his team toured Mahindra’s Automated Assembly Line, gaining further insights into modern tractor manufacturing and mechanised farming techniques.

Governor Sule’s strategic visits to China and India underscore his commitment to transforming Nasarawa’s agricultural sector into a globally competitive industry. By fostering partnerships with leading agricultural technology firms, he is paving the way for mechanised farming, improved food production, and long-term economic growth in the state.

With these collaborations in motion, Nasarawa State is poised to become a model for agricultural innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

Determined to cultivate every piece of arable land in Nasarawa State and drive agricultural transformation, Governor Abdullahi Sule has taken the state’s agricultural ambitions beyond Africa, forging global partnerships in Asia