By; VICTOR DURUAMAKU, Owerri
Imo State Gvernment in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Saturday launched to the public the “Imo International rice as the first indigenous rice by the state government.
The launching of the said rice is as a result of the partnership between the Central Bank and the state government under the rice anchor borrowers programme of the federal government of Nigeria.
This international rice, bagged in 50kgs was unveiled last Saturday by the state governor, Rochas Okorocha in Owerri the state capital.
Governor Okorocha, during the occasion said that the decision to start the production of the indigenous rice was borne out of his administration’s commitment to provision of sufficient food for the people of the state.
He added that it was not part of his resolve to create employment opportunities for the teeming youths and also complement the federal government efforts in promoting local rice production in Nigeria.
The governor described the feat as a dream come true, pointing out that it would go a long way in supporting efforts of the federal government in abolishing of sales of foreign rice and promoting local rice production in the country.
