Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Efforts are being made to ensure that in the next two years, rice produced in Nigeria are exported to other African countries as well as Europe, America and possibly Asia.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Muhammad Sabo Nanono, during a chat with newsmen in Lagos on Monday, said the local production of the staple food has increased since federal government announced the closure of land borders in August 2019.
“Before the closure of our land border, most of these rice milling plants were partially operating, but now, they not only operate in full capacities but are also expanding.
“As at today, we have 11 rice milling plants with the capacity to produce from 180 tonnes to 350 tonnes of rice per day.
“In a few months, another mill with a capacity to produce 400 tonnes of rice per day is going to be opened, with another upcoming 34 smaller mills; then, we have clusters in different areas,” the Minister said after a working visit of the Nestle Nigeria Plc.
He noted that local rice farmers were fully engaged and use between 200 farm lands and 300 farm lands directly, pointing out that, “If we maintain the momentum, in the next two years, we may export rice to other countries.”
Mr Nanono stated that, “I was worried in terms of the production of rice, but what I have found out is that most rice producers have stocked rice for the next six months,” emphasising that, “This means that before the stock is finished, dry season rice will be harvested, and before that finishes, rainy season will come back.”
According to him, it is only in three months from November to January that rice is not being grown in Nigeria, saying, “We cultivate rice in a nine-month cycle; probably as we move on the cycle, will widen, so, we do not have a problem with rice processing.”
The Minister lauded Nestle Nigeria Plc for its role in assisting local farmers and creating jobs for Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Managing Director of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr Mauricio Alarcon, thanked the Minister and his delegation for the visit and called for stronger and robust working relationship with the Ministry.
Mr Alarcon further said that, “We source 80 percent of our products locally; we source 100 percent of maize for Golden Morn locally; soya, millet, sugar, salt and cocoa are locally sourced.”
