Homegrown rice will hit markets immediately after first harvest

folarin okunola

August 29, 2016 5:24 PM

Earlier in the year, Dangote had started an 8,000-hectare rice out-growers scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa State, with the distribution of rice seedlings to farmers.

The much talked about Dangote Rice from one of the many companies owned by billionaire and Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, is expected to hit the market as soon as the company commences harvest of its first batch.

According to Daily Trust, sources within Dangote Rice said that owner Aliko Dangote is happy with the news of the harvest, especially since the rice would be launched in the right time especially seeing as rice now goes for N20,000 per bag.

“We are really excited about our rice projects,” the source said. "Once we commence the sales of our rice, I can authoritatively tell you that the price of rice will crash in the country and make importation of rice unattractive.”

ALSO READ: South Africa-based hospitality company exits Nigeria

A statement issued by the company states that the scheme, which is a partnership program with governments aimed at reducing Nigeria's dependence on food importation, had the potential to provide 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

The statement also said the rice project taken on by Dangote Rice Limited in Hadejia, would also be replicated in six other states across the federation.

According to the statement, the project is part of an agreement between Dangote Rice Limited on one hand, and the Jigawa State government on the other.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Agriculture is quoted as saying that the federal government was ready to support the scheme and make it a success, according to a Daily Trust report.

folarin okunola