The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefeile on Tuesday inaugurated an Ultra-modern 420 metric tonnes per day capacity rice milling factory in Kano State.
Speaking at the occasion, the CBN Governor said the establishment of the factory is in line with the Federal Government’s commitment towards ensuring food security in the country.
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He urged rice mills to involve in paddy production for sustainable paddy supply through partnership with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).
“As we increase the milling capacity of rice nationwide, we are encouraging all rice mills to embrace our backward integration programme.
“And get involved in paddy production to guarantee sustainable supply of paddy to your mills and complement the supply from smallholder farmers.
“Through our partnership with the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN).
“The Private Sector led Accelerated Agriculture Development Scheme provides long term financing options to millers to finance commercial farms, land development, irrigation facilities.
“And other agriculture infrastructure that will enhance the production plan,” Emefiele said.
He disclosed that the quality of milled Nigerian rice can match with most rice being produced in the world.
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“As Nigerians, we need to become more patriotic and embrace Mr President’s mantra of producing what we eat, and eat what we grow,” he said.
Emefiele noted that prior to the launch of Anchor Borrower Programme in Nigeria, there were less than 10 functional rice mills with combined capacity of 350,000 metric tonnes.
“These have increased to over 60 integrated mills with combined capacity of over three million metric tons, as at today.
“With about 10 more mills scheduled to be commissioned this year,” he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, said that the state is surrounded by dams and rivers, which gave farmers opportunity for growing rice, tomato and other crops.
He assured that his administration would continue to provide enabling environment that would boost farming and business activities in the state.
Ganduje revealed that the new rice mill would also assist to create jobs and boost economic status of people in the state.
Also speaking, Governors of Jigawa and Kebbi States, Badaru Abubakar and Atiku Bagudu, respectively, thanked President Buhari for introducing Anchor Borrower Programme to guarantee food security.
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In his remarks, the Chairman, Gerawa Rice Mill, Alhaji Isa Gerawa, thanked the CBN for supporting him to establish the factory at the cost of N15 billion.
He said that the rice milling factory would go a long way in providing Job opportunities to many unemployed persons and ensure food security in the country.
