Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has said that rice farmers and processors in Nigeria have added about N750 billion to the Nigerian economy, with over N407 billion as their net incomes in the last three years.
Adesina, who stated this in Abuja at the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Dangote Industries Limited for a $1billion investment in an integrated rice project, said about 360,000 jobs were also generated within this period.
According to him, Nigeria has been recording significant successes with its rice policy, which he said is directed at saving N365 billion annually, mostly directed at Nigerian rice farmers and rural communities.
"Over six million farmers now grow improved rice varieties that meet international standards. High quality and well-packaged Nigerian rice is now in the local market, including Quarra Rice, Umza Rice, Ebony Super Rice, Eko Rice, Mikap Rice, Ashi Rice, Queen of the Niger and Mama Pride.
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