Niger partners agencies to boost rice production

The Niger government says that it is collaborating with Japan International Development Corporation Agency (JICA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development to increase rice production in the state.

Baba Madugu, managing director of the Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority made the disclosure in Minna on Wednesday at an Eid-el-Kabir lunch, organised by the state’s Ministry of Agriculture for journalists.

“This administration is committed to farmers’ productivity to raise their income and uplift their standard of living through rice production”.

Madugu said that the development partners were working with the government to implement the Rice Post Harvest Processing and Marketing Pilot scheme to boost agriculture and ensure rural development.

He said that government recently distributed 100 motorcycles to agricultural extension workers in the state to resuscitate extension services.

Ahmed Matane, the state’s commissioner for agriculture and rural development, said that government’s determination to regenerate its agricultural sector was aimed at boosting economic activities.