Demand for locally-produced rice increase in Nigerian markets

Nigerians seem to have abandoned imported rice and are now patronising locally made rice

This was the submission of a local farmer in Delta state

There is an agric revolution ongoing low-key across northern Nigeria

A rice farmer based in Delta state, Mr Raymos Guanah has revealed that there is an increase in the demand for local rice by Nigerians.

Nigeria's minister of agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh is silently leading a rice revolution in Nigeria

Guanah who is also the chief executive officer of Raymos Guanah Farms noted that Nigerians are beginning to appreciate locally-produced rice because of the increase in awareness.

Guanah who made the disclosure to journalists on Friday, February 17 stated that his farm had multiplied its harvests of rice in the last three years.

His words: “In 2014, we harvested 300 tonnes, while in 2015, we got 600 tonnes. In 2016, we had 900 tonnes and as I speak with you now nothing is left, we were able to sell all of it.’’

He said his farm’s target for 2017 was to produce 3000 tonnes of rice due to increase in the demand for the produce.

“Nigerians are becoming more aware that there is so much difference between the locally-produced rice and the imported rice,’’ he added.

Guanah however urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend its Anchor Borrowers Programme to other farmers instead of limiting it to only cooperative societies.

According to him, there are some big farmers engaging in mechanised farming and cultivating larger expanse of land than many cooperative societies.

Meanwhile, billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has said Nigeria has reached a milestone as regards self-sufficiency.