Nigeria Can Produce More Rice with Adequate Support, Says AGRIPMENT Chairman

By Abass Ganiyu


The National Chairman of the Association of Greenfield Rice Producers, Marketers, and Entrepreneurs (AGRIPMENT), Chief Oludare Adekolu, has affirmed Nigeria's potential to significantly increase its rice production if genuine producers receive adequate support. 

Chief Adekolu, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Igbemo Rice Processing Company Limited, emphasized the association's role in uniting rice investors, farmers, millers, processors, and marketers nationwide. The goal is to connect these stakeholders with relevant entities to enhance rice production.

In a statement released in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Adekolu explained that AGRIPMENT is actively linking rice farmers with entrepreneurs, government ministries, agencies, equipment suppliers, and financial institutions. This effort is aimed at accelerating the assistance required to develop and expand rice businesses across Nigeria.

The association is in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Small and Micro Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). AGRIPMENT is requesting inputs and equipment to support its members in boosting rice production on a national scale.

"The requested inputs include improved seeds, herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and urea. The equipment list comprises paddy parboiling machines, paddy dryers, paddy milling machines, and rice destoning machines," Adekolu noted.

He assured that AGRIPMENT members are prepared to comply with the terms and conditions set for accessing government support. Additionally, the association has requested that a monitoring officer from the Ministry or SMEDAN be appointed to oversee and provide updates on the activities of its members.

Adekolu also expressed the members' eagerness to participate in programs designed to sustain the rice sector in Nigeria. This proactive engagement underscores the association's commitment to enhancing the country's agricultural output and ensuring the rice sector's long-term viability.

Abass Ganiyu, a journalist with over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues, and investigative journalism, currently covers the National Assembly for GoProForum.

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