World Bank to assist in boosting rice production in Ebonyi


 The World Bank says it will expand its agricultural operations in Ebonyi, especially in the cultivation, processing and marketing of rice.
Dr Adetunji Oredikpe, Leader of the World Bank/Federal Government Support Mission of FADAMA Group, made the assertion on Monday in Abakaliki during a co
urtesy call on Gov. David Umahi.
According to him, the objective would be achieved by upgrading the Ebonyi FADAMA Coordinating office and implementation of other initiatives and interventions.
``The FADAMA project team in the state has prepared a number of business plans that would be extensively implemented to benefit farmers and achieve overall rice production goals.
``The World Bank intends to expand its operations in its non-core states and Ebonyi is the first on the line due to the government’s commitment towards improved rice production.
``I have discussed extensively with the state’s FADAMA project coordinator and we are considering the possibility of engaging more frontline workers to achieve the aim.
``We would ensure that we wrap-up rice production in the state, as it enjoys a comparative advantage over other states in the area, complemented with overwhelming government’s commitment,” he said.
The team leader said that the commitment was evident in the mechanised mode of cultivation in use by the government, release of counterpart fund and fulfillment of other relevant requirements.
``We do not foresee any impediment in the actualisation of this objective in Ebonyi, as we also had fruitful discussions with the State House of Assembly over the issue.
``In the concluded FADAMA III project in the state, Ebonyi produced 6.11 metric tonnes of rice per hectare which was not obtained in other states,” he said
Gov. Umahi, represented by his Deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe, said that the government had declared a state of emergency in the agricultural sector, especially in rice production, on assumption of office in May 2015.
``This has fortunately made the state a ‘safe haven’ for serious investors in rice production and other agricultural ventures from within and outside the country.
``This is because rice production has become a mainstay of agricultural production and a leading staple food in the country,” he said.
The governor restated his government’s resolve to have Ebonyi produce 10-15 per cent of total rice production in the country.
He said that the target motivated the state to adopt mechanised farming system instead of the traditional system of cultivation. 

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