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Tag: rice

  • Nigerians will buy 50kg of rice for N10,000 from June – RIFAN

    Nigerians will buy 50kg of rice for N10,000 from June – RIFAN

    Rice farmers under the auspices of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN, has assured Nigerians that in June 2017 a 50 kilogramme of the commodity will sell at N10, 000, against the almost N20,000 it is sold now in the market.

    The assurance was given by the National President, RIFAN, Aminu Goronyo, while speaking on the current development in the rice industry.

    Goronyo disclosed that rice farmers under the association now have direct access to fertiliser which was hitherto scarce and expensive for the farmers to buy.

    In his words: “Fertiliser was a very big challenge, but today it has become a history. We have signed MoU where the fertiliser is sold N5, 500 per bag of fertiliser, and is now a government policy. We have more fertiliser in the country and go direct to the hands of the farmers and is everywhere in the country.

    “We have already achieved rice sufficiency in the last two years because all the rice we eat is grown here in the country. With the government through the Nigeria Customs Service on the land borders, including the high exchange rate no importer can go to other countries and import rice for profit. I assure you in the next three months a 50kg bag of rice will come down to N10, 000.

    “The Anchor Borrowers Scheme was conceived through collective effort by the Central Bank of Nigeria, RIFAN and other relevant key stakeholders, and we are everyday meeting with the CBN reviewing the process.”

    He, however, lamented inadequate rice seeds for his over 4.2 million registered members, which according to him said past governments have failed to provide certified and quality seeds for over 30 years.

    “Seed is the most essential component of any commodity that is going to be produced. We do not have rice seeds in Nigeria. The few companies we have in the country do not have the capacity to supply the quality and certified seeds we need. What we have is grossly inadequate and not up to one percent of the need by Nigerian farmers.

    “I blame the previous governments because for the 30 years we don’t have enough certified seeds. The government has played vital role in creating this problem for the farmers.

    “The research centres are there and they are being paid but they are not doing what they are supposed to because government rely on them to come up with certified seeds, and we the end users, the farmers, we know that we are not getting then real certified seed.

    “Even the current Anchor Borrowers Scheme that is going on we are just managing seeds from few companies that rarely have certified seeds.

    “Most of the seeds that are being supplied are from the companies that do not have all it takes, and we do not have other options than to use what they are giving to us. The seeds released are not up to five percent of our total requirement,” he stated.

  • FG readys installation of 110 milling machines to boost rice production

    FG readys installation of 110 milling machines to boost rice production

    Federal Government has acquired 110 rice milling machines to be installed in different parts of the country, between now and July, to boost rice production across the country.

    Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, issued a statement confirming the development on his Facebook page on yesterday.

    Shehu, quoting an investigative media reports, revealed that 48,000 new millionaires had emerged in Kebbi State alone last year, for growing rice

    According to him, Nigeria has just achieved the record of the second largest producer of rice in the world, following a “rice revolution started just a year ago”.

    “A newspaper did an investigation in Kebbi and found out that there were 48,000 new millionaires in Kebbi State alone last year for growing rice.

    “This over reliance on oil has killed this country and we cannot continue like this. So, the diversification of the economy means more money will be in the hands of ordinary Nigerians.

    And there will be widespread prosperity all over the country.”

    The presidential aide maintained that Nigerians should be proud of the ongoing agricultural revolution in the country.

    Shehu, however, stated that officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture would soon come up with the latest development on rice production in the country.

    The statement on the facebook page read: “We are not the first to say that Nigeria has grown to the second position in rice production worldwide.

    “The CNN, which is not a frivolous news source, said this. We have reason to believe them because of their global reach.

    “While we wait the numbers from the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO, we are collating our own figures and in the coming weeks, the officials in the Ministry of Agriculture will be coming up with our own position on rice production.

    “Don’t forget that since October last year, Nigeria has been feeding many parts of West, North and Central Africa.

    “Many of these countries have been shopping in Nigeria for rice, sorghum, sesame and millet.

    “To support the growing rice industry, the Federal Government just acquired 110 rice milling machines which will be installed in different parts of the country between now and July.

    “A lot is happening in Nigeria for which we should be proud.’’

  • Dangote to launch 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower sheme in Sokoto

    Dangote to launch 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower sheme in Sokoto

    The Dangote Group has announced that its subsidiary, Dangote Rice is set to launch a multi-million naira 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower scheme in Sokoto with a prospect of hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for the rural communities inhabitants.

    President of the Group, Aliko Dangote disclosed at the weekend that the Company will on Wednesday, flag off with a pilot project of 500 ha by Gonroyo dam, in Goronyo community.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Gonroyo dam is the second largest in the country, after Kainji.

    The flag off ceremony which will be performed by the governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwa will witness seedlings being distributed to the primary local farmers who will in turn plant the seed after which Dangote Rice company will purchase from them for milling and final processing.

    Sokoto state is the second after Jigawa out of the 14 states spread across the state where Dangote Rice plans to operate outgrower scheme to empower local farmers and create job opportunities for community dwellers and reduce migration to the cities.

    Dangote Rice projects in the 14 states, when, operational, will generate a significant number of jobs and increase take-home income for smallholder farmers, all while diversifying Nigeria’s economy and reducing the nation’s food import bill.

    Statistics from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) estimates that rice demand in Nigeria reached 6.3 million MT in 2015, with only 2.3 million MT of that demand satisfied by local production.

    This local production shortfall leaves a gap of 4.0 million MT that is currently being filled through formal importation of rice or illegal imports over land borders.

    By year-end 2017, Dangote Rice plans to produce 225,000 MT of parboiled, milled white rice. This will allow us to satisfy 4% of the total market demand within 1 year. Our model can then be successfully scaled to produce 1,000,000 MT of milled rice in order to satisfy 16% of the domestic market demand for rice over the next 5 years.

    By end of 2017, Dangote Rice will have 25,000 Ha under rice cultivation across 3 sites in Northern Nigeria having identified rice-growing communities in Jigawa State (5,000 Ha), Sokoto State (10,000 Ha) and Zamfara State (10,000 Ha).

     

  • Anambra to produce 330,000 tonnes of rice by December

    Anambra to produce 330,000 tonnes of rice by December

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra says his administration intends to produce 330,000 tonnes of rice by December and make agriculture a lucrative venture for the youth.

    The governor gave the assurance, while speaking at the birthday celebration of Chief Anthony Enukeme, a businessman, in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that his administration had increased the state’s rice production capacity from 90,000 tonnes in 2015, when assumed office, to over 236,000 tonnes by December, 2016.

    The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, solicited enhanced collaboration between the government and the people in efforts to develop the state.

    Obiano reiterated the determination of his administration to revolutionise agriculture, as part of efforts to boost nation’s food security.

    He said that administration had recorded some achievements in the areas of security, infrastructure and workers’ welfare, among others, assuring farmers in the state of his continuous support.

    The governor, who congratulated Enukeme on his 73rd birthday, also commended him for tarring all the feeder roads in Neni, urging other affluent citizens of the state to emulate the businessman’s gesture.

    In his remark, Chief Victor Oye, the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), solicited the people’s support for the re-election of Obiano during the November 2017 governorship election.

    He said that Obiano’s re-election would enable him to consolidate his accomplishments in the state.

    Responding, Enukeme thanked God for giving him the privilege to serve his people.

     

    NAN

  • EFCC arrests Councilor, 4 others for stealing 300 bags of rice from IDP camp

    EFCC arrests Councilor, 4 others for stealing 300 bags of rice from IDP camp

     

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has picked up a Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State, Umar Ibrahim and four others for allegedly stealing bags of rice donated by Danish Refugee Council, a Non-Governmental Organisation, to the Internally Displayed Persons in the council.

    The anti-graft agency in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren discloed that the arrest was consequent upon an intelligence report.

    Others arrested along with the councillor are: Bulama Ali Zangebe , Modu Bulama, Halilu Abdullahi and Abacha Ali.

    According to some of the suspects, the Caretaker Chairman of Mafa Local Government, Shettima Maina, allegedly instructed the sale of the rice to the duo of Alhaji Lawan Ibrahim of Bolori Stores and Umar Salisu at the rate of N8,500 per bag.

    Maina and two other suspects are still at large.

    Recall that World Food Programme had urged the EFCC to ensure transparency in the administration of relief to displaced persons.

    An Assistant Executive Director, WFP, Roberto DaSilva, urged the EFCC to ensure credibility and accountability in the disbursement of funds and purchase of food items to the North-East.

    In a related development, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State on Wednesday called for prosecution of persons who allegedly diverted 50 bags of rice meant for IDPs in the State.

  • Oyo Govt empowers 717 rice, cassava farmers

    The Oyo State Government has said that it would empower 450 cassava producers in the state through the state’s funded Anchor Borrower’s programme and another set of 267 farmers in the production of rice and cassava under the FADAMA III additional financing project.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Barrister Oyewole Oyewumi made this known during the inaugural meeting of the state’s FADAMA III additional financing technical committee at the conference room of the ministry recently.

    Oyewumi said that the empowerment would improve economic activities in the state as well as create employment opportunities for the citizenry, stressing that the FADAMA project was designed to support the farmers to increase their yield, enhance sustainable profit and boost food security in the state.

    The commissioner enjoined the beneficiaries to acquire contiguous lands in order to access the fund allocated for the programme with ease and consequently appealed to members of the committee to design strategies that will assist the Government in achieving its projections on the programme.

    Speaking on the state’s funded Anchor Borrower’s programme at the official opening of Operational Project Account for participating farmers of the Agricultural Credit Corporation, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Agriculture, Professor Adetokunbo Adekunle said that N250,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) will be credited into each beneficiary’s account to produce two hectares of cassava following the completion of account project opening processes with the designated bank.

    Professor Adetokunbo, who reiterated the role of agriculture in economic development, noted that the programme is aimed at elevating challenges confronting the farmers in terms of production and consumptions and consequently urged them to be diligent and invest solely on cassava to ensure the success of the programme.

    In his Remarks, the General Manager, Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) Mr. Bode Raji hinted that the loan would be under the supervision of the ACCOS and promised that the corporation would assist the farmers with the supply of necessary farm inputs.

    He appealed to the farmers to operate in line with the rules of the programme and ensure prompt payment of the loan for others to benefit.

    In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Cassava Growers Association, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Adekunle Muideen and the Chief Executive Officer, Eagleson and Nito Concepts, Mrs. Remi Tinubu stated that the project remains a platform for cassava stakeholders in the state to excel in the business.

  • Rice prices up by 20 per cent, tomatoes crash…

    Rice prices up by 20 per cent, tomatoes crash…

    Prices of locally produced rice have shot up by more than 20 per cent in Hadejia, Jigawa, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    NAN checks at Hadejia and Malammadori markets showed that prices of the commodity have increased significantly in spite of the steady supply of the foodstuff.

    A 100-kilogramme bag of local rice now sells for between N29, 000 and 36, 000 as against its previous price of N26, 000, respectively.

    A measure of the commodity now sells for between N700 and N900, depending on its quality, as against its old price of N600 and N750, respectively.

    Price of beans has also shown similar hike as a measure is sold at N600 as against N500 before.

    However, prices of imported rice had indicated a slight decrease, as a 50-kilogramme bag of the commodity now sells at N17, 500 and a measure for N1, 020 as against its old price of N18, 000 and N1, 100, respectively.

    Similarly, prices of tomatoes have crashed following improved supply of the commodity, as a basket is sold at N3, 200 as against N18,000 in the past.

    Traders at the market attributed the hikes in prices of rice to growing demand for the stuff.

    Alhaji Baba Shehu, a grain dealer, said that prices were moving up on daily basis in view of the growing demand for the commodity.

    Shehu attributed the situation to a drastic drop in the importation of rice into the country, adding that the trend had encouraged local production.

    “We are witnessing price increase on daily basis due increase in the demand for the local variety of rice,” he said.

    Also commenting, Malam Danladi Yusuf, a resident, described the situation as worrisome, adding that rice was beyond the reach of the ordinary man.

    Yusuf noted that he preferred local rice but that its high price was a source of concern to the consumers.

    Another resident, Malam Isa Gabi, urged the government to adopt practical measures to control inflation and regulate prices in the country.

  • Its good to see Nigerians eating rice despite recession – Oyegun

    Its good to see Nigerians eating rice despite recession – Oyegun

     

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has stated that there is fun everywhere in Nigeria despite the nationwide outcry about recession.

    According to the party leader, Nigerians were no bothered by the hardship caused by the ongoing economic crisis.

    Speaking with newsmnen in Benin, the Edo State capital, Oyegun noted that Nigerians had leanrt to save because of the situation of things in the country.

    He said, “I hope it was low key, but what is important is that you could see signs of fun everywhere. Which means that inspite of everything, people are happy. That is not say that there is not some degree of belt tightening. I can feel it but what is also good is that people are still able to eat rice.

    “We have become a bit of wasteful society; now we are being forced to adjust, measure the way we spend money. People hardly fly business class these days.

    “These are signs of growing realism, growing change, an acceptance that it can no longer be business-as-usual. But, personally, what made me glad this Christmas is the existence of local rice; we now have Ebonyi Rice and the Lake Rice. Nigerians are beginning to domesticate their taste in the local rice they prefer, which is very good.

    “The fact that there was so much in terms of quantity of local rice all over the place is something that makes me glad. It means that there was good harvest, and that, next year, for the fact that the market has now been established, it means we can even export rice. So, thank God, out of every seeming adversity, the good Lord opens windows of prosperity.

    “I think we are at the start of a prosperous period, when this country will be depending not just on oil but on a broader base of production. Are you not scared that the recession may degenerate to depression? We are working hard. We are not even thinking of depression, we are thinking of getting out of the recession that we are in. And all government policies and projects are geared towards getting this nation out of the recession as soon as possible.

    “Perish the thought of depression, we will never get there. What is happening with rice now, the same thing is going to be replicated in the agricultural sector and, as soon as the power sector stabilizes, we will get industries like the textile kicking back into production. We can only look upward and not backward.”

    The party chieftain once again affirmed that the leadership of the APC was not threatened by the alleged plans by some persons to form mega party in the year 2017.

    He said, “Mega party, I don’t know where the name mega party suddenly came from in the lexicon of politics in this country. When two people gather to have a meeting, it is a mega meeting.

    “We don’t feel threatened; we will in fact encourage a mega party, because with the gradual collapse of the PDP, we want a party that can make us sit upright and be on our toes in terms of delivery of service to our people; a party that will make us feel challenged, that will make democracy real, offer the people a real choice.”

     

  • No plastic, only contaminated rice in Nigeria – NAFDAC

    National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday said laboratory result of the suspected fake rice showed that the product was not plastic but rice contaminated with micro organisms.

    The Acting Director General, NAFDAC, Yetunde Oni, said this at a news conference in conjuction with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja.

    Oni said the seized rice was unsatisfactory and therefore unwholesome for human consumption, stressing that the consignment would be destroyed upon handover by the NCS.

    She explained that the product branded ”Best Tomato”, was in 25kg bag, without NAFDAC number, batch number, date markings and details of the manufacturer.

    She said that `floating’ was negative, sedimentation was positive, cooking was normal, odour was normal, colour was off-white and E-coli was within specification.

    She said lead and cadmium were not detected, pre-ashing was normal, ash, moisture and mould were within specification but coli form was above maximum limits.

    Oni called on the public to report suspicious cases about all NAFDAC regulated products to any of the offices across the nation for prompt regulatory action.

    She also said that the following numbers could be contacted for enquiries: 08013630600, 09094262773 and 08033112282.

    The Comptroller-General, NCS, Col. Hameed Ali, said irrespective of the outcome of the laboratory analysis, customs would remain vigilant and alive to its responsibilities.

    Ali, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General, Tariff and Trade, Umar Iya, said NCS was guided by intelligence reports.

    ”Intelligence reports indicate that several metric tonnes of expired and dangerous rice are still lying in wait in warehouses in neighbouring countries and the target of the products is the Nigerian market”, he said.

    Ali said that the NCS would intensify patrols to ensure that such economic saboteurs do not succeed.

    He urged warehouse owners and transporters across the country not to accept such smuggled products in their facilities or vehicles respectively.

    He warned that both the smuggled products and means of conveyance were liable to seizure.

  • Rice, wheat importation gulps N1trn annually — Emefiele

    Rice, wheat importation gulps N1trn annually — Emefiele

    …says Nigeria can’t survive on importation of foreign goods

    The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, said that importation of rice and wheat gulped over N1 trillion in foreign exchange annually.

    Emefiele said this on Thursday in Jibia, Katsina State, at the launch of CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and 2016/2017 Dry Season Farming.

    ‘’Nigeria’s import bill is exceptionally high; top four import commodities which include rice and wheat, consume over N1 trillion in foreign exchange annually,’’ he said.

    According to him, relying heavily on food importation fuels domestic inflation and depletes the country’s foreign reserves.

    The governor, represented by the Director, Development Finance, Mr Olaitan Mudassir, said food importation had negative effects on local production industries and created unemployment in the country.

    “Indeed, dependency, especially on commodities that have advantage, is not acceptable and sustainable either fiscally, economically or politically.

    “Increasing rice production is a necessity as rice importation proffers no future for any nation in the long term.

    “Nigeria cannot afford to continually depend on imported rice,” he said.

    He said the Federal Government banned food importation to boost farming and diversify the nation’s economy.

    The governor said that the government had mapped out strategies to reduce its import bill on identified commodities by at least 10 per cent annually.

    “I firmly believe that Nigeria will no longer be one of the world’s highest importer of rice.

    “It will become an exporter of commodities in medium terms,” he said.