The Ogun State Government says it has concluded plans to release locally-produced and branded rice, Mitros, by December 2017.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Adepeju Adebajo, disclosed this on Friday during a routine inspection of the first phase of rice harvested in one of its farms at Eggua, in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
She said this was part of measures at ensuring food security.
Adebajo said the state has begun harvesting 30 hectares out of the 100 hectares of rice plantation and would be ready for distribution latest December 2017 after all due processes had been followed.
She said, “In fulfilling one of our objectives, we are set to produce MITROS rice. This rice is the best quality you can ask for because we provided the farmers with most improved variety of seedlings and it will be ready before the end of the year.
“This will be the first phase of harvest, we will harvest others too. We will go through all necessary steps to ensure quality product, then we will package and brand it MITROS rice. Both our local Ofada and Nerica 8 will be available for consumers.”
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Tosin Ademuyiwa, advised the younger ones to take advantage of the opportunity, adding that the next phase would be more mechanised as more farm machineries had been approved for purchase.
A farmer, Olugbenga Popoola, acknowledged the state government’s support in the areas of land clearing, provision of seedlings, fertilizers and others. He promised that they (farmers) are willing to do more in the next planting season.
Post A Comment: