The Ekiti state government collaborated with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) to increase rice production efficiency.
This is according to a statement by special adviser to the governor on agriculture, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, on Wednesday in Akure at a meeting with representatives of (RIFAN).
He noted that rice farming and production began in Ekiti in 1945 with the Igbemo variety, and expressed worry that the state’s contribution to national rice production was still very low.
According to Boluwade, “The gathering is to share ideas on how to upscale rice production in the state that the government will partner with stakeholders in the sector to ensure massive cultivation.
“We want to see rice being cultivated in all our local government areas, we want to see our farmers producing better varieties of rice, that the state government will be committed to achieving prosperity in all sectors.”
Speaking at the meeting some of the farmers described the government’s intention as a good omen for rice cultivation in the state.