Food Security: Abakaliki Rice targets global standard

The Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry says it has begun modern production and bagging in the efforts to meet up with the global standard.

Mr Linus Obeji, Executive Chairman of the Industry, told newsmen on Tuesday that the industry had enforced compulsory “removal of stones and chaffs” before bagging in line with the best global standard.

Obeji expressed satisfaction that the Abakaliki brand of rice could be found today at various Nigerian markets and neighbouring countries.

He commended the federal and the state governments’ intervention, especially on the supply of inputs and financial support (loans and grants) to the farmers.

“We commend the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FADAMA, who have been supportive, creating an enabling environment for the production of farm produce in Ebonyi and Nigeria.

“Today, I must inform you that Ebonyi Rice Mill Industry has made significant improvements, ranging from the processes of cultivation, harvesting, bagging, and distribution, among others.

“This progress is just a systematic approach that we have given to the processing. Currently, we have advanced to modern machines and improved manpower.

“We have adopted no bagging and distribution of rice without removing chaff and stones.

“We have a standard operational method in the industry, and all these developments are because of the intervention of the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru,” he said.

The chairman said that there were stoning machines, after milling, for destoning, sorting, polishing, bagging and distribution.

He said no customer can take rice out of the mill without removing chaff and stones.

“The industry is capable of a constant supply of rice to the general public in the state, Nigeria and even globally.

“We have our customers in Cameron, Niger and others. The cost of rice has drastically reduced from N36,000 as of January and February to N15,000 and N16,000. And it’s affordable by the people.

“There are different types and brands when we talk about rice. We have long grains and small grains (Mass, CP, among others),” the chairman said.