Taraba State, on Friday, recorded a major milestone in agricultural innovation as it celebrated its first successful Green House harvest since the facility resumed operations under a renewed mandate.
The abundant harvest of green pepper and cucumber marks a significant turnaround for the once-neglected facility, positioning Taraba as a leader in soil-less, technology-driven agriculture in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Project Manager Navon Gil hailed the harvest as a “major breakthrough”, noting that the success was anchored on the soil-less farming method employed at the facility—an advanced technique that eliminates the need for traditional soil.
“A new day has indeed arrived for Green House farming in Taraba. This technology has come to stay and is among the best in the world,” Gil stated.
He credited the revival to Governor Agbu Kefas, who he said rescued the “Cucumber Farm” from the brink of collapse through technical audits and strategic reforms.
“His decision to subject the complex to a thorough technical review marked a turning point,” Gil said.
The project, once defunct due to administrative neglect, is now back in full swing, thanks to the involvement of agricultural experts and a strong commitment to innovation.
Ohad Shiltman, a partner on the project, reaffirmed its goal of meeting both national and local food demands.
“We are not leaving the local market behind. Taraba residents will benefit directly from the harvest and the opportunities it brings,” he said.
He added that the Green House will also serve as a training hub, especially due to its proximity to Taraba State University and the College of Agriculture.
“This project is more than a farm—it’s a growth engine. It will create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and ensure Taraba becomes a hub for modern agricultural practices,” Shiltman concluded.
The successful harvest is seen as a key step in the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, with officials optimistic that the initiative will inspire similar innovations across the country.
