NDDC TO COLLABOTRATE WITH RICE FARMERS TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY IN THE COUNTRY
BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
The executive Director Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Victor Antai says NDDC has determination to shift focus away from oil economy through rice production.
Mr. Antai who made the assertion during a tour of NDDC rice mill at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Rivers State, in conjunction with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, noted that Niger Delta region has enough arable and wet land suitable for rice farming.
The Executive Director Projects maintained that the commission has intention to move the region from subsistence to mechanized agriculture to ensure availability of rice paddy as part of the plans to revitalize Elele Rice Mill.
He gave assurance of the determination of the commission to work with Rice Farmers Association to guarantee food security in the region and country at large, in line with Mr. president’s food security agenda.
On his part, National Vice President South South Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Anoh who expressed optimism of the readiness of farmers in the region to key into the commission’s rice project, added that it would create employment opportunities for the people.
Similarly, the Vice President NorthWest, Mohammed Auwal explained that while irrigation was being used in rice farming in the North, the South South enjoys ample rain duration to guarantee two cycle rice farming in a year.
While appreciating NDDC for the partnership, the group gave assurance of their capacity and willingness to produce enough rice for the region and the nation in the near future.
Prior to the tour of the Rice Mill, the delegation was at NDDC headquarters on courtesy visit to the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
