Food Security: Women Affairs Ministry, Chinese Firm Partner on Mechanised Agriculture
…to provide hybrid rice, cassava seedlings to women for greater output
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has entered into partnership with a Chinese Company, Henan Linan Machinery, to acquire tools and machinery aimed at boosting mechanised farming among women in Nigeria so as to empower them and make them self-reliant, in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye who disclosed this today in her office in Abuja, stated that the mechanised farming tools will be used for the production of hybrid rice, cassava as well as to boost animal husbandry in the country.
She stated that when planted, the hybrid rice will produce 140 bags as against 100 bags which the normal rice produces from the same quantity, adding that the 4-step mechanised rice machine will not only parboil but also dechaff, destone and remove impurities.
Barrister Kennedy Ohanenye explained that the initiative which will be kick started in communities within Abuja environs will be replicated in all the communities across the country. This, she said, will further enhance the socio-economic development of the nation.
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*With the help of these machines, Nigerian women and the vulnerable will be kept busy, they will make more money, hard labour will be reduced and this will not only ensure peace and security in the homes and the nation at large, but also enhance our economic growth and development*, she said
The Minister informed that the partnership will include the provision of machines that processes animal feeds, pellets that will ensure quicker growth of animals and poultry such as cows, sheep, goats and chicken richer in nutrient, stating further that these animals will
also develop to maturity in a shorter space of time, like those in the foreign clime.
She explained that *when this programme formally commences, it will boost food production in the country at affordable prices*
Speaking earlier, the Technical Partner and Sales Manager, Henan Linan Machinery, Mr Gatsby Kang,
stated that through the mechanised farming instruments, Nigeria will generate more funds from farming and livestock while also enjoying healthier meat for the benefit of her citizens.
He commended the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy -Ohanenye for her great innovations and initiatives that have direct impact on the lives of Nigerian Women, children and persons with disabilities as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in particular,
for his dogged determination towards the reduction of poverty and unemployment in the country.
Signed
Mrs. Grace Njoku
Head, Press and Public Relations
November 17, 2023
