Rice farmers in Abia State have assured government and people of the State that in the next two years, importation of rice would stop, as their production of rice will increase so much that they would be able to feed Abia people and even export.
This assurance was given today by the Coordinator Abia State Accelerated Rice Programme, Pastor Okechukwu Dike during the official flag-off of rice planting in the State held at Bende Agro Services Rice Field(Rice Dam) in Bende LGA. He disclosd that rice centre now exist in Abia, where they mill and also sell. He said that they have sold a good number of 20 bags and are poised to produce more. Pastor Okechukwu Dike appreciated the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for providing farm implements and improved rice seedlings to the farmers. He commended the Permanent Secretary for always being there for the farmers in the State.
Flagging-off the the 2019/2020 official rice planting season, the Governor represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Mrs. Uzoamaka Ikonne assured that Abia State would continue to support farmers to ensure they produce sufficient food for the State and beyond.
Governor Ikpeazu said his administration is committed to improving agriculture in the State, hence he has provided machines to support mechanized agriculture in the State and has equally provided farming implements and improved rice seedlings for the rice farmers. He urged the farmers to ensure they put the implements into good use and produce more than they have done in the previous years.
In their speeches too, the State Chairman, Rice Farmers Association in Abia State and Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria in the State lauded the Governor for his commitment to agriculture in Abia State and urged him to do more.
