…target rice, yam, cowpea, ginger, cassava

Circum Farms, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force Investment Limited (NAFIL), has flagged off the first phase of a farm project covering about 2000 hectares of land at the Nigerian Air Force Tactical Air Command (TAC) Base in Makurdi, Benue State.

The project, aimed at enhancing the country’s food security, is expected to employ at least 500 people consisting of relatives of NAF personnel and members of the host community.

Speaking during the official launch of the farms at the NAF Base, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Circum Farms, Sylvester Uzoama, said the project was an integrated farm with engineering precision that would use mechanization to enhance capacity.

Uzoama said the expanse of land made available for the project would be usable for over 10 varieties of crops, adding that the farm would first test run using 500 hectares to cultivate rice, cowpea, ginger, cassava, yam and dairy products.

He said the use of semiskilled workers involving the engagement of extension officers, unskilled people and women in the host community would not only generate huge employment but promote peace among inhabitants.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command (TAC), Makurdi, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, who flagged off the project, said over 500 direct jobs would be created.

Lubo expressed gratitude that the initiative has commenced in the command, maintaining