Aderibigbe Speaks on Partnership with Golden Rice Asia for Food Production
By Akinwale Kasali
Amb.Dr. John Adekorede Aderibigbe, Chairman of the National Agricultural Commodities Projects, NACP, said the group has partnered Golden Rice Asia for a Comprehensive Collaboration that will revolutionize the Rice Industry.
He added that the move was in furtherance of its commitment, dedication and desire to boost food production in Nigeria.
The Chairman noted that Golden Rice Asia is the leading rice exporter in the world with an annual production capacity of 2.6 million M/T both in jasmine and parboiled rice and has agreed to go in partnership with NACP.
“This partnership is coming at a time
the Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended duties, tariffs, and taxes on imported food commodities, including maize, rice, wheat, and cowpeas, for 150 days to alleviate food inflation.
“To further support this effort, the initiative taken by National Agricultural Commodities Projects, NACP, partner with Golden Rice Asia, is a right peg in a right hole,” he stated.
The collaboration agreement focuses on technology transfer in rice production, offtake, packaging, and farming programs.
NACP’s Chairman, Amb. Dr. John Aderibigbe assured the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security that NACP will bring in the Asian giants to support rice and other agricultural needs.
He revealed that the partnership aims to enhance the rice value chain, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and increase rice production and exports. With Golden Rice Asia’s expertise in rice processing and NACP’s strengths in agricultural development, this synergistic partnership is expected to benefit the industry as a whole.
“This initiative comes at a time when food inflation in Nigeria has reached 40.66%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The partnership between NACP and Golden Rice Thailand is expected to cushion the effects of food inflation on small households in the country.
“In a bid to cushion the effect of food price hikes, the National Agricultural Commodities Projects (NACP) is supporting smallholder farmers with reduced input prices and a commitment of 50% equity. This initiative aims to boost food production, reduce food prices, and enhance food security in the country.
“By reducing the burden of high input prices on smallholder farmers, NACP is enabling them to increase their productivity and contribute to the overall goal of food security. This support will not only benefit the farmers but also the entire agricultural value chain and the economy at large.
“NACP is committed to empowering smallholder farmers and ensuring food security for all,” he further explained.
The Chairman and CEO of NACP visited the Golden Rice Asia factory to discuss the collaboration and partnership. During the visit, he was taken on a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing their advanced technology and operations.
The partnership aims to enhance the rice value chain, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and increase rice production and exports.
Aderibigbe stated that “Golden Rice Asia’s expertise in rice processing and NACP’s strengths in agricultural development will create a synergistic partnership that will benefit the industry as a whole.
“We are excited about this partnership and the potential it holds for the rice industry,” Aderibigbe stated.
