By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A company known as Popular Farms & Mills Nigeria Limited has laid the foundation for 44,000 MTs per year Sesame Processing Plant at its Challawa Unit in Kano State.
The foundation laying is coming after the same firm on Thursday, April 11, 2019, commissioned a strategic multi-billion Naira Rice Mill expansion of 140,000 MTs per year milling capacity in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Audu Ogbeh, represented by a director in the Ministry in Kano State, Mr Mohammed Adamu Muneer, commended the investors for their ingenuity and contributions not only to the agricultural sector in Nigeria but also for the efforts and commitment to reducing unemployment and empower farmers, pledging the ministry’s commitment to continue to support the initiative.
“What we saw today is in line with the federal government’s policy of self-sufficiency in rice production,” Mr Ogbeh said.
On the challenge posed by rice smuggling, he assured that “government at all levels was working on several options, including diplomacy, towards curbing the menace”.
Other dignitaries represented at the event included the Emir of Kano, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, represented by Mr Yusuf Ibrahim Madakin; the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, represented by a director, Mr Hassan Tom; Kebbi State Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Kebbi State Ministry of Agriculture.
Also in attendance was Mrs Kupoluyi among other dignitaries. Representatives of Rice Cooperatives and Supply Chain partners I the Agricultural sector also witnessed the event.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Dipo Olowookere