Ekiti State Government says it is concluding plans to institutionalize rice pyramid Programme in the state.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Olabode Adetoyi made this known on Friday when he visited rice farmers in Ijero,Ikoro, Igbemo and Aseigba- Ekiti to interact with them on how the programme would be achieved.
Adetoyi said the plan would make Ekiti the largest rice producer in the South- West and one of the largest in the country.
In course of the progeamme he hinted that the national leadership of the Rice Farmers Association would be in the state to see how it could assist the government to achieve the rice pyramid scheme.
He said Governor Kayode Fayemi had invested heavily to open up about 1,500 hectares of land for lowland and upland rice farming, which is expected to engage 12,000 people.
According to him, the state government in collaboration with the Federal Government and private investors,will provide the neccessary tools,paddy rice, fertilizer, chemicals and other incentives needed for bountiful harvest.
He urged them to take advantage of the government’s support to ensure food security, employment and wealth creation
The chairman of Agbegbemi Farmers Association, Rev. Michael Oyewumi, appealed to the governor to prevail on the Ministry of Environment to allow the association access to more land in the area to grow rice.
