Rice news in nigeria

Here are some recent news updates on rice in Nigeria:

  1. Rice Importation Ban: In October 2020, the Nigerian government banned the importation of rice to promote local production and reduce the country's reliance on foreign rice. The ban has led to a significant increase in local rice production and a reduction in rice imports.
  2. Rice Production Increase: According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria's rice production increased by 22.6% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This is attributed to the government's efforts to promote local rice production and the ban on rice importation.
  3. Rice Exportation: Nigeria has started exporting rice to neighboring countries, including Benin, Ghana, and Togo. This is a significant development, as it marks a shift from being a net importer of rice to becoming a net exporter.
  4. Rice Milling Capacity: The Nigerian government has set a target of increasing the country's rice milling capacity to 10 million metric tons per annum by 2025. This is part of efforts to reduce the country's reliance on imported rice and promote local production.
  5. Rice Farmers' Association: The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has called on the government to provide more support to rice farmers, including access to credit facilities and improved infrastructure. The association has also urged the government to implement policies that promote local rice production.
  6. Rice Prices: Despite the ban on rice importation, rice prices in Nigeria have remained relatively high due to factors such as transportation costs, storage costs, and the high cost of production. The government has promised to work towards reducing rice prices and making them more affordable for Nigerians.
  7. Rice Processing: The Nigerian government has launched a rice processing initiative aimed at increasing the country's rice processing capacity and reducing post-harvest losses. The initiative involves the establishment of rice processing plants in various parts of the country.
  8. Rice Research: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has launched a rice research project aimed at developing high-yielding and disease-resistant rice varieties for Nigeria. The project is expected to improve rice production and productivity in the country.

These are some of the recent news updates on rice in Nigeria. The country's rice sector is undergoing significant transformations, with the government promoting local production and reducing the country's reliance on imported rice.