Rice
By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA—FOLLOWING the introduction of new irrigation technology in rice production in the eight local government areas of the state where the crop was grown in large quantity, Anambra State government says it is targeting increase in yield from the current 345000 metric tons to 600000 metric tons this year.
Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who spoke during the inspection of the multi- million naira Center Pivot Irrigation System at Egwe Agwa Ogbakuba in Ogbaru local government area, said the state would become net exporter of rice once the target was met, as its local demand would have been surpassed.
According to the governor, the installation of the new irrigation system in four locations in the state was to ensure all year round rice production, with the attendant multiplier effect of empowering of about 2500 farmers in the state.
He explained that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had agreed to provide funds to Anambra State government for the project.
