ONDO STATE GOVT PARTNERS FIRM TO BEGIN MASS RICE PRODUCTION

The Ondo State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Africa Red Crest (Nigeria) limited on the mass production of rice through cultivation of 500 hectares of land

and establishment of rice mill of 37,500 tonnes per annum at Owena Dam area , Ifedore local government area  of the State.

Signing the MoU on behalf of the government, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, said the project will bring about large scale, mechanised rice production and related activities in the state.

Adelola said the present administration in the state will remain committed to promoting food production and agro-allied activities, especially such that will lead to availability of food and job opportunities for residents.

Adelola described Africa Red Crest Nig limited as an expertise in the mass production of rice using the black soil farming system in the state.

According to him, upon cultivation of 500 hectares in the first two years, there will be a later acquisition of further land of 7,500 hectares and the establishment of rice mill simultaneously for the processing of 37,500 tonnes of rice per annum in the state.

He said the project which cost four billion, nine hundred and sixty three million naira (N4,963,000.00) is to be fully funded by the company, while Ondo State government is to provide land for lease of twenty years, noting that if the company fails to start work on the land within one year, the government may terminate the lease.

Also  speaking, the Coordinator of the Directorate of Public Private Partnership (PPP) ,Prince Olateru Olagbegi, said,  with the full operation of the project by the middle of the year, the state will not only produce rice but would be one of the largest producer of rice in the nation.

Olagbegi government will assist the company in the acquisition of necessary and general security assurance to expert technicians and skilled farmers working for the project.

Responding, the Managing Director, Africa Red Crest Nig limited, Prince Aladenoye Akinloye, said in the next few months the company will employ at least 250 residents of the state.

Akinloye said  local farmers will be trained and regularly patronised to boost local production of rice in the state.

He lauded the government for the support and expressed the company’s preparedness to immediately develop, cultivate and operate the project for the overall benefit of the state.

He stressed that all the technical expertise, equipment and the requisite plant seed, that is high yielding within 3 months duration and disease resistant are already in place.