NIGERIA – Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed that the country will soon inaugurate the Mabeli Rice mill facility in Suleja, Niger State in a quest to enhance local rice production.
The Minister disclosed the imminent commissioning of the Rice mill facility on December 28, 2023, when he led directors in the ministry and the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, on a tour of the Mill.
During his inspection, Kyari emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing processing, food quality, and nutrition, adding the mill’s capacity ranges from about 200 metric tons per day.
He urged rice farmers to prepare for the upcoming programs and initiatives the ministry would roll out for rice cultivation in the dry season.
According to him, the impending commissioning of Mabeli Rice marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s quest for food security and self-sufficiency, reflecting the government’s dedication to promoting local agriculture and ensuring a sustainable food supply.
He commended the initiative, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of MV Agro Engineers Nig. Ltd, the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and the ministry in promoting locally grown and processed rice that meets international standards.
“We have seen, gone around, and will commission this rice mill in the nearest future,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rice mill, which is one of the 10 integrated rice mills across the country, is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
Two are in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – Suleja and Gwagwalada, while the other eight are spread across the country.
Kyari said the project would attract investors to the country, and by doing so, local production would be enhanced.
The managing director of MV Agro Engineers Nig. Ltd, Jamu Baba Dan’agundi provided insights into the rice mill facility, outlining its four main components: intake section, parboiling, milling, and packaging.
He emphasized that parboiling, a choice made in the processing, softens the rice before milling. Additionally, he clarified that parboiling, common in Nigeria, does not compromise the nutrient content of the rice. The mill operates as a private-sector initiative under a public-private partnership.
He added that the rice mill had a double capacity compared to the other mills across the country.
During the visit, Minister Kyari also visited the Nigerian Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Bwari, where he expressed satisfaction at the level of work, saying it would advance seed production and extension service for farmers.
“We have seen the kind of advancement they have done, especially in seed production. We are impressed with the Gawal R1 rice that can produce up to eight tonnes per hectare. So, this is a very good development. The Gawal R1 variety is sought after by our farmers, so we implore them to give us more of the seed.”
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