Taraba Greenhouse Project Sparks Agricultural Revolution in the State

By Henry Agbu

In the heart of Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, a quiet revolution is blossoming—one that speaks of hope, innovation, and a clear departure from the past. The Taraba Greenhouse project, once neglected and almost forgotten, has today become a shining example of what is possible when vision meets political will.

The transformation is being driven by Dr. Agbu Kefas, the dynamic and reform-minded Governor of Taraba State, whose Moving Forward Agenda has found practical expression in the rebirth of the Greenhouse project.

The Greenhouse facility, originally conceptualised as part of a broader strategy to infuse modern farming techniques into Taraba’s agricultural framework, fell into disrepair due to years of abandonment, poor maintenance, and administrative neglect. What was once hailed as a flagship agricultural innovation became a shadow of its intended self, a silent testimony to wasted potential.

But that narrative began to change with the advent of the Kefas administration.

Almost immediately after assuming office, Dr. Agbu Kefas prioritised the rehabilitation of the Greenhouse as a key component of his food security and youth empowerment agenda. The facility was not only restored but upgraded—with cutting-edge irrigation systems, temperature control units, hydroponic setups, and high-yield hybrid seeds introduced into the production cycle

According to Mr. Gil, the Project Manager, the results have been nothing short of remarkable.

“In our first bumper harvest since the relaunch, we recorded an impressive yield of premium-grade green peppers and cucumbers,” he said. “These products are already gaining attention in markets beyond Taraba. The quality, freshness, and shelf life have greatly improved due to the controlled environment farming we're doing here.”

The Greenhouse now serves as a hub for technology transfer, offering training and exposure to local farmers, students, and agricultural entrepreneurs. It is a living laboratory for climate-smart agriculture—an answer to the global call for sustainable farming solutions in the face of changing weather patterns.

Beyond agriculture, the revamped Greenhouse project is generating ripples across the socio-economic fabric of the state. Dozens of young people have already secured employment in various roles—from technical operations to packaging and logistics. Plans are underway to scale up the facility to accommodate more produce and train additional hands.

Governor Kefas has consistently emphasised that agriculture is not merely about food—it is about dignity, employment, and wealth creation. His government has also hinted at a public-private partnership model to expand the Greenhouse and replicate its success in other parts of the state.

For Governor Kefas, the Greenhouse symbolises more than just a farm; it is a metaphor for what Taraba can become: green, thriving, innovative, and self-sufficient.

Stakeholders and agricultural experts have lauded the initiative as a potential game-changer. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Nicholas Namessan Oliver, noted that the project reflects the administration's seriousness in repositioning Taraba as an agricultural powerhouse.

In reviving the Taraba Greenhouse project, Governor Agbu Kefas is not merely tending to crops; he is cultivating a vision. A vision of a Taraba that moves forward, not just in slogans but in substance. With greenhouses sprouting green hope and new possibilities, it is safe to say that the seeds of transformation have truly been planted—and they are flourishing.