The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has commissioned a new rice processing facility in Gbamanda, Gidan Mangoro community, Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.
This initiative aims to improve production and ensure food security in Niger State and across the country.
The project, constructed under the AGRA/Niger State consortium, will enable various cooperative groups to process their products efficiently.
Dr. Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, highlighted that the facility, along with the distribution of Point of Sale (POS) systems to cooperatives, will significantly enhance food security and productivity.
He noted that the facility will provide livelihoods, encouraging more people to engage in farming due to the proximity of processing services.
“Rice and maize are major commodities produced in large quantities in the community. Farmers will no longer need to travel long distances to process their crops,” Dr. Ukaoha stated.
He praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his substantial investments in agriculture and urged women and youth in the community to form cooperative groups to maximize the benefits of the Governor’s agricultural initiatives.
AGRA representative Mr. Godswill Agwuyi noted that AGRA is active in 16 Local Governments, focusing on the rice, maize, and soybean value chains.
He emphasized that the new center will support smallholder farmers in transitioning to larger-scale operations, allowing them to process their products locally.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, represented by Dr. Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the Niger Ministry of Agriculture, commended AGRA for its impactful interventions, which have become well-known in the state.
He encouraged cooperative groups to utilize the new center to enhance their production.
“Apart from processing crops, the center will also create job opportunities, with women’s groups being major beneficiaries. This facility can be used to generate wealth,” Governor Bago said.
Alhaji Sani Adamu, Village Head of Gidan Mangoro, expressed gratitude to the donors and assured that the facility would be used to boost production and would be well-maintained.