Abakaliki Rice Mill Owners Industry Association, in collaboration with the Ebonyi government, has begun distribution of genuine bushel for measuring rice, following the ban on the use of scaling machines.

Chairman of the association, Linus Obeji, spoke at the inauguration of the approved bushel in Abakaliki, yesterday. He said that the new measuring device was in line with the association’s move to sanitise the mill against fraud.

Obeji noted that a task force had been set up to check and monitor all shops in the market to ensure compliance with the newly-introduced genuine bushel. He said that the millers would punish any defaulter, urging all members to strictly adhere to the new order to boost sales.

“Yes, we acquired genuine market bushels for measuring rice in the market to checkmate fraudulent acts. We do not want any fake bushel anymore or use of scaling machines.

“This is courtesy of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s executive order, demanding absolute sanity in the Abakaliki Rice Mill. We stand on this, and any member found defaulting the order, will be severely punished.”