Agric Minister Speaks At Annual Research Review & Planning Meeting in Zaria, Highlights Impressive Increase in Local Rice production

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Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh on has expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s current level of rice production which accounts for about 90% local consumption.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services of the Ministry, Dr Mrs Karima Babangida, was speaking at the 2019 Annual Research Review and Planning meeting held at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Minister maintained that the support of the present administration triggered a visible shift to eating what we grow rather than eating imported food.

“One very good example that we see today is the local homegrown Nigerian rice, hitherto, Nigeria has been a major and largest importer of rice from Thailand and this implies largest importer in the world” the minister added.

On the sides of the Annual Meeting, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr Mrs Babangida also commissioned the new Balarbe Taminu Conference Hall at IAR Zaria on behalf of the Honourable Minister.