The Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry, says it has begun modern production and bagging in the efforts to meet up with the global standard.
Mr Linus Obeji, Executive Chairman of the Industry told the Newsmen on Tuesday, that the industry had enforced compulsory “removal of stones and chaffs” before bagging.
Obeji expressed satisfaction as Abakaliki brand of rice could be found today, at various Nigerians markets and neighbouring countries.
He commended the federal and the state government intervention, especially on supply of inputs and financial supports (loans and grants) to the farmers.
“We commend International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FADAMA, who have been supportive; creating an enabling environment for production of farm produces in Ebonyi and Nigeria advanced.
“Today , I must inform you that Ebonyi Rice Mill Industry have made significant improvements, ranging from the processes of cultivation, harvesting, bagging, distributions among others.
“This progress is just a systematic approach that we have given to the processing. Currently, we have advanced to modern machines and improve manpower.
“We have adopted no bagging and distribution of rice without removing chaffs and stones.
“We have standard operational method at the industry and all these developments are because of the intervention of the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
“There are stoning machines, after milling, to stoning, sorting, polishing, bagging and distributions.
“No customer can take rice out of the mill without removing chaffs and stones,” he said.
On surplus rice production, the Chairman said the industry is capable of constant supply of rice to the general public in the state, Nigeria and even globally.
“We have our customers in Cameron, Niger and others. The cost of rice has drastically reduced from N36, 000 as at January and February to N15, 000 and N16, 000. And it’s affordable by the people.
“There are different type and brands, when we talk about rice. We have long grains and small grain (mass, CP among others),” the Chairman said.
