FAO, ARC collaborate on paddy production training for farmers

 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Côte d’Ivoire based Africa Rice Centre (ARC) have agreed to the training of 300 farmers across Nigeria in paddy production technology in a bid to boost rice production in the country.

Speaking on the initiative, Nourou Macki, FAO Deputy Representative to Nigeria, said the exercise which commenced last week aims to improve the ability of community based rice farmers and rice seed producers in the production of improved variety of rice seed.



The training which is being conducted under the Partnership for Sustainable Rice Systems Development in sub-Saharan Africa agreement earlier signed between the two bodies is expected to enhance sustainable development of the rice food chain among smallholder farmers and contribute to better food security in the country.

Macki explained that the training will facilitate the emergence of efficient rice production systems for Nigeria through the adoption of best practices and tested technologies. Fifty participants each from Ekiti, Edo, Anambra, Abia, Nassarawa and Jigawa states will benefit from the training.

Speaking at one of the training sessions in Anambra, Oyetunji Olumoye, representative of Africa Rice, observed that many seed producers lack basic knowledge on production of quality rice seeds.





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