In a bold move set to benefit both Niger State and Nigeria, the state government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) to boost annual rice production to 10 million metric tons by 2030.
This groundbreaking agreement was sealed during a high-level visit by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, to the headquarters of AfricaRice.
The initiative represents a major step toward enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural capacity and achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.
The collaboration will draw on AfricaRice’s extensive experience in climate-resilient rice cultivation and processing techniques specifically adapted to African environments.
Governor Bago highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “With this alliance, Niger State is fully committed to overhauling the rice value chain to significantly improve productivity and output across the state.”
With rice serving as a primary food source for millions across Nigeria, this collaboration offers a vital opportunity to scale up effective innovations and move closer to achieving long-overdue national self-sufficiency in rice production.
Niger State’s ambitious plan to raise annual paddy output from 1.5 million to 10 million metric tons stands as one of the most significant agricultural transformation goals on the continent.
This sixfold increase will firmly establish the state as a key contributor to Nigeria’s food security efforts and serve as a blueprint for other states to emulate.
During his visit, Governor Bago was introduced to AfricaRice’s advanced climate-smart technologies, including the integrated rice-fish system. This innovative method not only strengthens resilience to climate change but also improves food and nutritional outcomes.
By tackling issues like greenhouse gas emissions, water resource management, and nutrient use efficiency, the system offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution for modern agriculture.
Governor Bago also toured AfricaRice’s Grain Quality Laboratory, which plays a crucial role in ensuring improved rice varieties meet market standards through advanced sensory testing and quality control methods.
The visit further included a presentation at the Rice Biodiversity Centre, which houses the continent’s largest rice germplasm collection and supports international rice breeding and research efforts.
The partnership was officially established with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AfricaRice and Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited.
The agreement outlines key areas of collaboration, such as technology transfer, capacity development, joint research efforts, and infrastructure enhancement.
Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, expressed strong confidence in the initiative, stating: “Governor Bago’s target of reaching 10 million tons of rice production is bold but within reach. Our partnership makes this goal even more attainable, and we are eager to see this model replicated in other states across Nigeria.”
This collaboration exemplifies the fusion of indigenous agricultural practices with advanced scientific innovation to tackle urgent challenges such as climate resilience and sustainable resource use.
