The Federal Government has assured of
self sufficiency in rice production in 2018 through the implementation
of right policies aimed at boosting agricultural production in Nigeria.
Addressing participants at the 3rd
edition of the Rice Investment Summit anchored by the Nepad Business
Group Nigeria in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh said that Food sufficiency was a major
goal of the Federal Govt.
He said the Federal Government has put in place an Agric Promotion
Policy (APP) which sets a target for self sufficiency in rice production
for 2018.
Represented by the Director of Agricultural Development in the Agric
ministry, Mr. Obinna Opara, Chief Ogbeh in a Keynote Address, expressed
delight that Nepad Business Group Nigeria had brought key actors
together to chart a way forward for rice production which he described
as a critically important staple.
He also reeled out implementation strategies for government’s auspicious drive.
Earlier, the Chairman, Nepad Business Group Nigeria, Mrs. Nike Akande,
represented by the group’s top official, Mallam Abu Aliu stressed that
the 3rd edition of the Rice Investment Summit was geared to build on the
success of the previous editions. She also highlighted the crucial need
for diversification of the economy which rice production could fill.
Also speaking, Mr. Dosumu Oluwole the Acting Head, NEPAD Business Group
Nigeria Secretariat expressed his appreciation to all who graced the
occasion and used the occasion to restate the resolve of the NEPAD
Business Group Nigeria to continue to intervene and partner with other
stakeholders in the rice value chain to help bring transformation to the
economy of Africa.
The theme for the event was: 2018 Self Sufficiency in Rice Production:
Opportunities Challenges, and the Road Ahead – Stimulating Production
with the Right Policies, Practices and Technologies.
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