FAO Officials Laud Nigerian Smallholder Farmers for Progress in Rice Production

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) said Nigeria has made considerable progress in rice production, however pointing out that more still needs to be done. The FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Abebe Haile-Gabriel, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. Haile-Gabriel lauded smallholder farmers in Nigeria, saying they are doing a fantastic job in rice production. Speaking, he said, “Nigeria used to be dependent on imported rice. “But in the past few years, Nigeria has done a fantastic job in the production of rice locally, moving towards self-sufficiency. “So, Nigeria has done a lot, it may not be enough but that is why there is a need for partnership to support the efforts of the government.” Meanwhile, FAO officials are on an advisory visit to Nigeria to meet with selected senior government officials in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, UN Heads of Mission and development partners in Abuja.