TVC E, BUSINESS – A United Kingdom-sponsored programme, Growth and Employment in States – Wholesale and Retail Trade (GEMS4), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Popular Rice Mill to increase the production of local rice.
The target, according to the Deputy Team leader, GEMS4, Olatunde Oderinde, is to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of local rice as well as create livelihoods for 25,000 farmers.
He said the programme was determined to promote improved rice production system, combined with training and the adoption of innovative approach along the rice value chain that shortens processing time, reduces drudgery, and does not expose farmers to heat burns.
According to him, unless rice farmers use improved rice processing technologies that produce marketable products, consumer demand will not be satisfied by locally-produced rice.
Besides, he said the quality of local rice has to be similar to that of imported rice.
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