As rice farmers in Kogi State prepare for the next cropping season, plans are in top gear by the state government and other stakeholders to ensure a bumper harvest.
Part of measures to achieve this goal is the state government’s procurement of mechanized farming equipments towards boosting the accelerated rice production programme in the state.
Kogi state governor, Captain Idris Wada, dropped the hint while bidding fare well to team of Vietnamese improved rice production experts were on a visit to the state to among other things, establish accelerated rice demonstration farms as well as guide farmers on modern techniques in rice cultivation.
According to him, the delivery of modern farming equipment valued at millions of naira is tailored at further improving the rate of rice production, modernization of farming programmes as well as ensuring food security in the country.
He further described the measure as a demonstration of the present administration’s resolve to transform the agricultural sector, just as he noted that it would go a long way in encouraging Kogi farmers in embracing modern techniques in farming.
The governor then thanked members of the Vietnamese rice production team as well as the staff of the state Agricultural Development Programme {ADP} for their contributions towards repositioning the sector.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Managing Director Kogi ADP, Prof Dominic Akpa said the focus of the state was to clear 20 hectares of land as demonstration farm in Ejule-Ojebe in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state adding that 85% of the goal has so far been achieved while plans are on to boost rice production in other parts of the state.
In addition, he said efforts would be put in place to ensure the visa challenges of the Vietnamese rice production experts are resolved to enable them return and implement the Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the state and Vietnam.
Source: The Graphic
