How empowering local rice farmers can help Nigeria achieve food security

WHEN we hear the words "local rice farmer", we might imagine a rural dweller wearing a straw hat cultivating his crops in a rice paddy. As familiar as this image may be, the story does not end there. Local rice farmers are an important part of the national effort to ensure food security and a more productive economy.

With a rapidly growing population of over 200 million, coupled with the prevalence of hunger and malnutrition, increasing local production of dominant staples such as rice is crucial for the Nigeria achieves food security and lifts millions out of poverty.< /p>

The need to empower local rice farmers is made even more pressing by a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development , which warns that an estimated 19.4 million people in Nigeria could face food insecurity between June and August 2022.

In another study titled “Perceived Training Needs of Smallholder Rice Farmers on Urea Deep Placement Technology in Benue State, Nigeria,” researchers from Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State and Federal University of Wukari, Taraba State cited an urgent issue are to “give highest priority to the training needs of smallholder rice farmers to improve their level of knowledge and use of technology for increased productivity”.

Despite their significant contribution to the agricultural sector, local rice farmers continue to face the challenges of limited access to land and credit facilities, insufficient agricultural inputs, training and orientation as well as the availability of modern technologies.

These challenges underscore the importance of interventions like that of WACOT Rice Limited, makers of Premium Big Bull Rice, which enables local rice farmers in several states to fill the food security gap by providing training in the acquisition of skills, access to credit and access to modern technology to increase productivity. An increase in their production will empower farmers economically and ensure the sustainability of local rice production to meet food security challenges in Nigeria.

Confirming this, Ibrahim Alhassan, a young rice farmer from Gidan Agoda, Kebbi State, whose partnership with WACOT Rice Limited spans over seven years, said many farmers in his community have been able to increase their yield thanks to access to the best fertilizers. and other resources that guarantee optimal performance.

"Thanks to WACOT Rice Limited, the problem of not having quality inputs has been solved," said Alhassan. “We used to have a high incidence of farmers who couldn't afford reliable fertilizers, so they end up buying adulterated or substandard fertilizers and agrochemicals. But with WACOT Rice Limited there has been a turnaround and we are able to use top quality fertilizers which have resulted in excellent products. »

He also commended WACOT Rice Limited for exposing local rice farmers to modern farming techniques through numerous training sessions over the years. According to him, the intervention of the rice manufacturing giant has played a monumental role in transforming rice farming from an ordinary way of life into one that benefits an entire community.

"Working with WACOT Rice Limited for the past 7 years, I have received life-changing assistance for the better, so that I can provide food for myself and my loved ones, shelter and other forms of welfare for the family,” Alhassan noted.

With deep reflection on his journey so far, the young rice farmer maintained that the same is true for many others in my community. “The impact is being felt across the city and we are all grateful for these investments,” he added.

As interest in rice farming continues to rise, companies such as WACOT Rice Limited, producers of premium Big Bull rice, are doing their part to provide an enabling environment for rice farmers in several states to increase their yield and their profitability, while contributing to national food security.

Big Bull Rice is readily available at open markets, convenience stores, supermarkets and modern trade stores and packaged in various SKUs of 750g, 2.25kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg and 50 kg.

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