Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano
In line with the federal government’s effort to boost rice production, the BUA Rice Ltd, owners of Nigeria’s largest rice mill and subsidiary of BUA Group has entered into partnership with Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Kano state branch, in preparation of signing an agreement.
The Group Executive Director, Strategy and Innovation, of BUA Group, Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu said: ” BUA remained genuinely committed to the government’s resolve to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported rice by boosting local capacity to produce, process and package rice locally.”
According to him, the partnership would support the rice farmers to take advantage of the CBN Anchor-Borrowers Scheme, adding that, “…BUA will provide end-to-end support to the value chain in ensuring that its milling facilities are being utilised optimally.
“Currently BUA’ s rice mill, which was supplied by world renowned Satake Japanese Technology, is the largest rice mill in Nigeria with a total processing capacity of about 200,000 metric tonnes per annum, ” he said.
Rabiu emphasised that they needed to encourage dry season rice farming. “This interactive meeting will produce an effective and efficient synergy between us,” he added.
He assured the chairmen of the rice farmers association from all the 44 local governments of the state, who were in attendance at the meeting that they would enjoy the partnership. As the company would do everything possible to see that good price was given to farmers, apart from fertiliser supply, inputs and other implements.
The chairman of RIFAN, Kano state branch, Abubakar Ali, assured BUA Group of their commitment and dedication to any reached agreement between them and the company.
He revealed that Kano had over 500,000 rice farmers with over 40,000 of them who were fully registered with their association.
“This initiative will see to the improved yields as well as reduce wastage currently being experienced due to insufficient processing and storage facilities. “
