To enhance production and ensure food security in Niger State and the country at large, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has inaugurated a rice processing facility in Gbamanda, Gidan Mangoro community, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger.
The facility, built under the AGRA/Niger State consortium, will enable various cooperative groups to process their products efficiently.
Dr. Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, emphasized that the facility and the distribution of Point of Sale (POS) devices to cooperatives will significantly boost food security and productivity. He highlighted that the proximity of the processing facility will encourage more people to engage in farming by providing them with a means of livelihood.
“Rice and maize are major commodities produced in large quantities in this community. Farmers will no longer need to travel long distances to process their crops,” he said.
Dr. Ukaoha also praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his substantial investments in agriculture and urged women and youth in the community to form cooperative groups to take full advantage of the Governor’s agricultural initiatives.
Mr. Godswill Agwuyi, AGRA’s representative, stated that AGRA is active in 16 local government areas, focusing on the value chains of rice, maize, and soybeans. He noted that the new center will assist smallholder farmers in scaling up their operations and processing their products locally.
Governor Umaru Bago, represented by Dr. Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger Ministry for Agriculture, applauded AGRA for its impactful interventions in the state. He encouraged cooperative groups to utilize the center to enhance their production.
“In addition to processing crops, the center will create job opportunities, with women’s groups being the primary beneficiaries. They can use the facility to generate wealth,” he said.
Alhaji Sani Adamu, Village Head of Gidan Mangoro, expressed gratitude for the facility and pledged that it would be used to improve production and be well-maintained.
