The Cross River State Rice City project is bound to turn the economy of the country around, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said.
He made the remark while inspecting the automated facilities at the Rice City currently undergoing a test-run.
He praised Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State for the project, saying it was the best ingredient for President Mohammadu Buhari‘s rice revolution
His words: “It is the best ingredient to the rice revolution effort of the Federal Government. This rice seedling multiplication plant is one that will definitely turn around the economy of this country as well as change our attitude and behaviour towards agriculture because every step of production is motorized, thereby making agriculture pleasurable.”
Governor Ikpeazu who also spoke about his experience in rice production commended Ayade.
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Said he: “I personally went into rice production for two years to discourage importation of all kinds of things in the name of rice in this country because I had faith and strong belief in our capacity, but today, I have seen someone that has gone a step further and already producing seedlings that can give high yield per hectare and I must commend Ayade for this giant stride…
“For me, as far as rice value chain is concerned, this is simply the best way to go to drive the desired revolution in this sector and make the country self-sufficient in rice production.
“In fact, this will actually stir me into rice cultivation because I now have a high yield seedling in our environment. Like I said, what Ayade is doing here is just the way to go, starting from the origin of the value chain which is seedling production.”
Ikpeazu spoke on the need for partnership with the state.
“I’m so excited that the plant offers extension services and advice on soil texture, preparation, cultivation, harvesting and packaging. It is an end to end services, which is what is motivating my return to rice production and going into strong partnership because when you talk about rice production and the desired technology to drive it, Cross River is where to go in Nigeria today,” ikpeazu added.