Hajiya Buhari Lauds Ebonyi For Improved Rice Production.

By Mbam Ogodo, Abakaliki

In a way to improve farming and boost food security, the Daughter of the President, Hajiya Fatima Buhari has commended Ebonyi state government for embarking on gigantic projects aimed at improving rice production in the state.

Hajiya Buhari made this known while inspecting facilities put in place by Ebonyi State Government at the rice cluster in Ikwo local government area.

She explained that the purpose of her visit was to enable the Federal Government find out areas of possible investment in order to boost rice production in the country.

Hajiya Fatima Buhari said her visit to Ebonyi was part of an going International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD's on the spot check on Facilities and Institutions for improved result in rice production.

She visited Iboko and Ikwo Rice Clusters in Izzi and Ikwo Local Government Areas, respectively with her team and some officials of Ebonyi State Government.

In his remarks, Governor David Umahi reiterated the state government's commitment to support efforts by the Federal government to make agriculture the bed rock of the nation's economy.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe emphasised that the state government had encouraged farmers in the state to key into various agricultural programmes.

He mentioned some of the programmes to include those in the area of rice production, adding that plans were on to reform Abakaliki Rice mill for standard processing and packaging.

Dr Igwe said that the efforts of the state government in rice production is in line with the diversification thrive of the present administration to make Ebonyi one of the cardinal pillars in food security in the country.