Monarch tasks Anambra on new rice technique

The traditional ruler of Atani community in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Augustine Ngoddy, has called on the people of Ogbaru Council Area and the state in general to utilise the opportunity created by the Federal Government and World Bank through FADAMA Programme to increase rice cultivation and production in the state.

Ngoddy, made the call when a delegation of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the World Bank and the delegation sent by Governor Willie Obiano visited his Palace, Atani, after inspecting some FADAMA project, and inaugurating youth farm clusters and cooperative society in the council.

The monarch stated that government could successfully fight the present economic recession with improved agricultural practice and FADAMA programme, which has made farming and other agricultural practices possible all year round.

He said government should diversify the economy through engagement in agricultural activities like farming, poultry keeping, and animal husbandry, which according to him are all capable of yielding foreign exchange through export of the excess products.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, who was represented by his Senior Adviser, International Donor Partners, Mr. Auta Appeh, said in the next six years or less, Anambra, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Kogi and Sokoto States, will be major domestic producers of rice in Nigeria.

He said; “With the value additional technique being introduced by the World Bank in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in rice production, processing, packaging and bagging, Nigerians can be sure that 90 to 95 per cent of rice should be able to get to their tables and for export.”

Appeh thanked the state governor and the Igwe, for their interest in agriculture, particularly in rice production, which he said they have committed their personal money to enhance its production.

He also assured that the three feeder roads being constructed in Amiyi and other communities in Ogbaru will be completed immediately the rains stops.

Prof. Okuneye who represented World Bank, said they were in the state to find out whether the farmers are following the business plans they submitted to World Bank and Federal Ministry of Agriculture.”

Okuneye, who is the Consultant and National President, Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economist, noted: “Word Banks interest in rice production stems from the fact that Nigeria is spending about N365b yearly and N1b daily on importation, and therefore found it necessary to assist in its production, just like we are doing on Wheat and Cassava.”