Rice: Nigeria To Begin Export By 2021 – FADAMA Consultant
Nigeria would begin exportation of rice in the next five years.
That is according to an international consultant of the FADAMA III Additional Financing, Professor Bola Okuneye.
Okuneye was speaking at Amanuke, Awka North Local Government of Anambra State, when the FADAMA III AF team visited its farmland to know the level of progress at the site.
He expressed confidence that with what he saw, the country can compete with other players in the world of rice production.
“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 use the improved practices as they are taught, it will increase their yield.
The Ogboududu Cluster President Okafor Hyacinth disclosed that they (farmers) were culting 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.’’
The team leader Ben Albert also had something to say. He commended the farmers for their commitment and assured them of addressing challenges they might be caught up with.
