Rice Production: FAO lauds Nigeria’s smallholder farmers

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has praised Nigeria, particularly its smallholder farmers for the considerable progress in rice production. However, according to the FAO, more still needs to be done.

The FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja.

Haile-Gabriel lauded smallholder farmers in Nigeria, saying they are doing a fantastic job in rice production.

“Nigeria used to be dependent on imported rice.

“But in the past few years, Nigeria has done a fantastic job in the production of rice locally, moving towards self-sufficiency.

“So, Nigeria has done a lot. It may not be enough but that is why there is a need for partnership to support the efforts of the government,” said Haile-Gabriel.

Meanwhile, FAO officials are on an advisory visit to Nigeria to meet with selected senior government officials in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, UN Heads of Mission and development partners in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

Source: Agro Nigeria