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Ban on rice importation by 2016 is achievable – Expert

By on March 22, 2013

In line with President Goodluck Jonathan’s announcement on Wednesday on the ban of rice importation, the Managing Director of Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Professor Paul Marley has said that the proposed ban by 2016 is achievable and assured that there is no cause for alarm over the policy.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen in Minna, Niger state on Thursday, the Managing Director said with what is on the ground across the country today, the proposal has not only come as a cheering news but should be seen as a laudable policy which should be embraced by all Nigerians especially the rice farmers.

According to him “Most of the River Basins today are going through revitalization and part of that revitalization is the opening up of new land for irrigation activities which will increase rice production in the nearest future”.

“In our own particular case, (Upper Niger River Basin) we have opened up the Tungan Kawo Irrigation scheme in Wushishi  from 400 to 600 hectres last year and this year, we hope to complete the remaining 200 to make up the 800 hectres targeted.”

Professor Marley said besides this expansion, the Doko and the Jebba Irrigation schemes have started adding that that of Jebba has even been upgraded to a project office with a project officer resident there as an act of more commitment to actualize the dream pointing out that another irrigation project located in Likarbu, Kaduna state has taken off last year and work has advanced to about 45%, all towards boosting rice production.

The Managing Director revealed that another 200 hectres of irrigation scheme is to take off in Jere along Kaduna this year adding that those ongoing in Kurudu and Gada Biu are almost ready too.

He said “these are projects we can see aimed at accelerating rice production and so, I believe that we are poised more than ever before to produce rice in this country and  with other River Basins which are even larger schemes than us like the Hadeija Jamare among others, we should
be able to increase food production in the country generally through irrigation”.

Marley however advised that state governments and even individuals should focus more attention on setting up of rice mills especially where rice is being produced massively in order to improve the quality of the local production.