Japan Commits $3.5m Grant To Boost Nigeria’s Rice Seed Production

The government of Japan has provided about 587 million Japanese yen, equivalent to N 3.5 million dollars, to strengthen rice seed production in Nigeria and boost agricultural productivity and food security.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hideo Suzuki, disclosed this at the handing-over ceremony of the Project for the Enhancement of Rice Seeds Production System at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger.

He said the project would strengthen NCRI capacity to produce high-quality breeder and foundation rice seeds, thereby improving the quality of certified seeds supplied to farmers nationwide and ultimately increasing yields, productivity and confidence in Nigeria’s seed system.

Suzuki said agriculture remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy and food security, noting that growing demand for rice continued to outpace domestic production.

The Envoy noted that the Federal government Second National Rice Development Strategy (2020–2030) had set the goal of doubling domestic rice production by 2030, adding that Japan was supporting the strategy through the project.

He therefore reiterated that quality seed was fundamental to successful agriculture, as modern farming technologies and good agronomic practices could only reach their full potential when farmers have access to reliable planting materials.

“Good seed is the beginning of a good harvest,” he said while disclosing that the grant would finance modern agricultural equipment for NCRI headquarters and its outstations in Niger and Oyo states, comprising 20 medium-sized tractors, three rice transplanters, four small combine harvesters and two excavators for seed cultivation and production.

He listed other equipment to, include four constant-temperature germination testers, three sets of automatic weather observation systems for testing purposes and seven small flat drying machines for post-harvest processing.

In a keynote address, minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security,  Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, commended the government and people of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their consistent support for Nigeria’s agricultural development.