Kano to produce 50% of Nigeria’s rice demand
In line with the Federal Government’s projection of zero importation of rice, Kano State Government is projecting to produce 50 per cent of Nigeria’s demand for rice before the end of 2017.
Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of the state who disclosed this, while launching the 2016 1.2 million tonnes of rice harvest in Garun Malam Local Government Area added that the 2016 rice harvest has exceeded Kano’s need put at 700,000 tons annually.
“Due to our efforts in rice farming alone, rice farmers in the state will harvest 1.2 million tons of rice this year; and this has exceeded the state’s need of about 700, 000 tons. It is also expected that by next year’s farming season, Kano State will produce over 2 million tons which is 50% of Nigeria’s rice need of about 4 million tons annually,” he stated.
Ganduje further encouraged other states to follow the Kano example, insisting that it is high-time Nigerians reject foreign goods which can be produced locally in Nigeria.
“I am totally in support of Mr President’s decision to ban the importation of rice; and every patriotic Nigerian will understand that this is done to encourage local production and boost agriculture in Nigeria in the wake of the federal government’s commitment to diversify the economy,” he added.