Group earmarks 1200 hectares for rice production in Benue

In line with the diversification move of the federal government, the Benue South Multipurpose Cooperative society has earmarked 1200 hectares of farmlands for rice production in the state.

Coordinator of the group, Andrew Obeya, tells that 2018 agribusiness season will focus on rice production.

Obeya noted that the cooperative had obtained legal authorities and work closely with communities and relevant bodies towards ensuring healthy and hygienic foods and commodities are produced for human and industrial consumptions.

“Our goal is to set up and manage agribusiness for willing investors who may have very little opportunity to own and manage their investments directly,” Obeya said.

“The Cooperative society works closely with off-takers and partners to procure farm products for food manufacturing and processing companies. While we work with off-takers to make this happen, we are also developing a long term plan of manufacturing, processing and redistribution of food and raw materials that are needed for consumption.

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“The 2018 agribusiness season will focus on rice production. Our Cooperative has earmarked 1200 hectares of farmlands for rice production and we are providing guaranteed security to all investments, in other to ensure that investors get the best out of their investments.

“The return on investment is about 50 percent of capital per annum and it is expected that investors’ capital will run for 12 months before yielding the desired profit," he concluded.

He added that the cooperative also engages in the sales and distribution of farm inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds and other products that aid agribusiness for small holder farmers and investors.

Meanwhile, an agriculturist, Richard Ogundele, has advised the federal government to allow the current rice production system firm up and become self-sufficient, before it could contemplate banning its importation.

Ogundele made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, January 5, 2018 in Lagos.