The efforts of rice farmers in Nigeria have been lauded by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono.
Nanono stated that rice produced in Nigeria can now comfortably compete in the global market.
Nanono who made this disclosure during a working visit to a rice farms and mills of Stallion Group Limited, Popular Farms and Mill Limited in Kano at the weekend assured that strive of the rice farmers will assist Government actualize it agenda food sufficiency, job creation and economic growth.
He noted that the Nation’s land border closure had resulted in an accelerated and increased output by rice milling plants in Nigeria, adding the boost would reduce the high rate of unemployment.
This is even as he lamented the high cost of rice in Nigeria saying, “I see no reason why a 50kg bag of rice should be sold for N17,000, the same paddy rice is sold at N8,500 and maximum processing expense is N2,000 making a total of N10,500, it is unpatriotic to sell a bag more than N14,000 – N 15000.”
The Minister reiterated that with the improved production rate, Nigeria rice is bound to compete favourably in the global market the moment exportation begins, in his words, ” if we maintain this momentum in the next two years, we may export rice to other countries “.
He revealed that the Ministry would convene a forum for all relevant stakeholders in the rice sub sector to dialogue on how to improve on rice Seedlings, farm inputs among others. According to him, “this meeting should take place in the next three to four weeks”.
He stated that the primary focus of the Ministry is Mechanization of the Agricultural sector, strengthening Research Institutions, Extension Agricultural Services and Livestock/Diary development.
The Minister lauded the Stallion Group for efforts towards improving rice production and creating jobs for Nigerians. He urged other investors to key into Agribusiness because of Its numerous financial benefits.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Managing Director ,Popular Farms and Mill Limited, Mr. Amit Kumar Rai Stated that “Stallion Group Popular Farms and Mills Limited, has invested over US $70m to boost production of agric business, especially rice and sesame in Nigeria. It operates the biggest rice mill in Kano with an annual installed capacity of 430, 000 metric tons. It has a consolidated capacity of 1.7 metric tons”.
Mr Rai further said that “the group is investing also in additional milling facilities locally in order to obtain self-sufficiency in rice production . he highlighted some of the popular brands of the group include :Tomato King, Double Bull, People’s Princess and Super Champion”.
