Enugu State targets 1 million metric tones of rice annually

The Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, has revealed the state’s ambitious goal of producing over one million metric tonnes of rice annually.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, Ubru outlined the state government’s plans to cultivate more than 300,000 hectares of arable farmland across the 17 council areas.

Emphasizing the focus on rice production, Ubru noted that over 150,000 hectares of land would be dedicated to rice cultivation on a large scale.

He highlighted the state’s shift towards value addition, aiming to process agricultural produce locally before entering the market. Ubru addressed the historical practice of Enugu’s rice paddy being sent to neighbouring states for processing, indicating the state’s resolve to change this narrative.

Enugu State’s agricultural strategy extends beyond rice, with a significant emphasis on cassava production. Ubru pointed out that Enugu currently leads Nigeria in cassava production and aims to become a major exporter of cassava products and by-products in Africa.

The state government, under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, has allocated substantial resources to bolster cassava-to-ethanol production and explore various industrial applications for cassava-derived materials.

Ubru encouraged farmers to engage in cassava cultivation, citing the expanding market opportunities and potential for significant economic gains. With comprehensive plans for both rice and cassava sectors, Enugu State seeks to leverage agriculture as a catalyst for sustainable development and economic prosperity.