Edo to Begin Commercial Rice Production Soon Says Obaseki

The Edo state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki on Sunday disclosed that his administration will soon begin the production of rice in commercial quantity to suit the yearnings of the people.

 

Obaseki made the disclosure while on a tour with investors round land mass located along the River Niger belt in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

The governor who ascertained the large expanse of land available said that his administration was partnering investors to boost Rice production in the producing areas of the Niger belt in the state.

He also expressed optimism that by the time the investors are fully settled, rice production will commence before the next planting season which will improve economic activities in the state.




He added that the government has received a list of enquiry from foreign investors from Asia who are warming up to start up rice production in specific areas such as Illushi and Anegbete.

According to him, “We have an aggressive drive for agriculture and rice has been identified as one of the major crops we have comparative advantage in the state.

“We have received enquiry from international investors who want land for rice production in the state.

“We have identified all the areas that are close to the River Niger such as Illushi, Anegbete as areas where good quality rice can be grown.

“So we came here to see for ourselves what is available so that we can send the technical people to do the survey and make all the plans ready for investors”, he explained.