FG Distributes Starter Packs Worth N1.5 Million To Southeast Rice Farmers

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) on Thursday distributed starter packs worth N1.5 million to 30 farmers in the South East to increase Rice Production in the country.

Each of the farmers received 25 kg of certified rice seeds of FARO 44 variety, three litres of 2,4-D post emergence herbicide and two litres of liquid fertilizer.

The event took place at FMARD office at Independence Layout, Enugu with farmers from Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia and the host state, Enugu in attendance.

In his opening address, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar said the Ministry is working towards making the Nation self-sufficient in rice Production and for export.

Arthur Mbuba, the state director FMARD, Anambra who represented the Minister said the purpose of the intervention is to bolster rice Production in all parts of the country.

“We are also producing and distributing Flood Certified seeds of FARO 66 and 67 to farmers along the riverine areas to mitigate the effect of flood as witnessed recently.

“The Ministry provides farm equipment in form of tillers, transplanters, rice reapers, thrashers and other simple farm tools to smallholder farmers in different locations at subsidized rate.

“In continuation, the government decided to identify genuine Rice Farmers, Smallholder farmers in conjunction with state agricultural development projects (ADPs).

“Also, state ministries of agriculture, natural resources, Rice Farmers’ Associations and other relevant stakeholders in the value chain for continued support to farmers in line with our mandate,” Abubakar said.

Peter Nwaogor, the state coordinator from Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources said, FMARD is seriously working towards food security in the country.

Nwaogor who represented the Commissioner Mr Mathew Idu said, FMARD is using various activities, programmes, and technologies to improve farming in the country.

“Government policy on rice Production has been to generate massive employment, eliminate hunger and poverty in the communities,” he said.

Ayeleke Dauda of the Federal Department of Agriculture told farmers to utilise the opportunity to their own interest.

Explaining good agricultural practices and effective use of Agro-chemical in rice Production, Dauda said that rice does better in the dry season than the rainy season.

“Rice farming in the dry season is free from pasta attack and devoid of the diseases that go with stagnant water and he urged the farmers to use soil that retains water.

“In rice farming, nursery remains the best and transplanting should start from the 14th day to 21 days and ensure that you apply other things at the right time,” he said.

Dr Benjamin Puja from FMARD S, East regional office said the program was a wonderful one and believed that new Nigeria flowing with milk and honey is possible.

Puja who represented Kehis Felix the regional director advised farmers to be committed as there are more benefits to farming.

Linus Nkwuda, chairman of Abakaliki Rice Mill, Ebonyi said he feels happy being part of the project and wishes to use the opportunity to appreciate the Federal government.

“The Federal Government has done great in terms of empowering the youths, farmers, and I will say this is one among many that has been coming farmers' way.

“This intervention will go a long way in re-positioning the farmers and the new variety will improve production, good yield, capacity and food supply in the country,” Nkwuda said.