Good news emerged for Nigeria as Professor Bola Okuneye, an international consultant of FADAMA III Additional Financing, said that the country would begin exportation of rice in 2021.
The Vanguard reports that he spoke on November 2, Wednesday in Anamra during the visit of the FADAMA III AF to rice farmland to determine level of progress at the site.
Okuneye said: “I have carefully studied the development and I am convinced that with what I have seen, Nigeria will compete among other nations of the world in rice production.
“If only this community can produce 4.5 metric tonnes per hectare, compared to other assessment we have carried out in other states, then there is a lot of development in rice production in our country.
“I could see that with more encouragement, they can expand from the present stage and when they continually used the improved practices as they are taught, it will increase their yield.”
On his own part, Mr Okafor Hyacinth, the Ogboududu Cluster President, added that they were now cultivating 90 hectares with 10 members in each hectare.
“Our last harvest was 2 to 3metric tonnes per hectare, but with the kind of training we are receiving, our productivity is going higher.
“According to the analysis of facilitators, we will produce 4.5metric tonnes in our next harvest,’’ he noted.
Rice dealers in Nigeria have attributed the rise in price as well as the scarceness of the commodity to the activities of the incumbent government and some specific stakeholders.
Just a year ago a bag of rice that was sold at N9000 is now sold at least at N18500.
Just a year ago a bag of rice that was sold at N9000 is now sold at least at N18500.
The eagerly awaited Dangote Rice, that will soon hit the Nigerian market is expected to force down the price of rice.
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