Rice farmers in Akwa Ibom state have unveiled its brand of locally grown ‘Golden Rice’ cultivated in Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state.
The brand was unveiled during an exhibition organised by Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom chapter in conjunction with the state ministry of agriculture and women development as part of efforts to ensure food sufficiency in the state.
At a well-attended ceremony held at the civil service secretariat, it attracted stakeholders in the agriculture sector including members of the state executive council and chairman, house of assembly committee on agriculture.
Speaking during the exhibition, Glory Edet, Commissioner for Agriculture and Women Development reiterated the present administration is determined to give its full support to farmers in the state to boost food production.
“Food support includes the clearing of many hectares of farmland and provision of a one-point-five metric ton per hour rice mill at Ikot Essen in Ibiono Ibom local government area,” Edet said.
She said that the rice mill is the product of collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the state government has really helped the rice farmers adding that with this, the processing of rice has been made easier for the farmers.
Edet who also announced that the state government has concluded plans to plant coconut across public schools in the state to further boost agriculture adding all lands were not suitable for rice or cassava cultivation.
Unveiling the 100 bags of rice brought for exhibition, the commissioner expressed the hope that the local government area would feed the state and the nation’s son.
In his speech, Ekomabasi Akpan, chairman of the local government council said the gesture was to encourage food sufficiency in the area and the state at large he also called on the government to always support farmers.
“Today, Ibiono Ibom has showcased rice we planted; we came to Uyo so that everybody could see that Ibiono Ibom is working. What we are witnessing today is a collective effort of Ibiono farmers. We have cultivated two thousand two hundred hectares of farmland and we are ready to produce more rice,” Ekomabasi said.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
