The Federal Government’s determination to diversify her mono-economy from crude oil to agriculture has received a boost with the Republic of Guinea donating twelve high yielding varieties of rice seeds to Nigeria to increase rice production in the country.
The Chargé D’affaires of Nigeria to the Republic of Guinea, Ambassador Jerry Hassan, made the donation to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Hassan explained that his decision to solicit for these varieties of rice seeds from the Republic of Guinea was informed by the commitment of the present administration to diversify the economy from oil to other sectors, particularly agriculture.
He further explained that these varieties of rice seeds, which are high yielding, could be cultivated three times in a year and would boost rice production in Nigeria.
The Desk Officer, Rice Value Chain, Dr. Victor Onyeneke, who received the donation on behalf of the ministry expressed appreciation of Nigeria to the Republic of Guinea, affirming that the high yielding varieties of rice seeds would reduce the cost of production for rice farmers with an increase in yield.
Dr. Onyeneke stated that the kind gesture from the Republic of Guinea was not only for the ministry but for the entire country as it would go a long way in increasing food production and improving livelihoods.
He explained that these varieties of rice seeds would be handed over to relevant agencies of the ministry namely the Agricultural Quarantine Services; National Agricultural Seed Council and National Cereal Research Institute for analysis and confirmation.
In his remarks, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director (West Africa), Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adesina Foluso, lauded the government of the Republic of Guinea for the kind gesture extended to the country and called for more collaboration with other countries in the world for mutual benefits.
The representative of the National Quarantine Service, Mr. Obuseh Martin, said the rice seeds varieties would be subjected to analysis, with the assurance that if confirmed that the seeds would thrive on Nigeria’s soil, it would be beneficial to the country.
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