Towards rice self-sufficiency in Nigeria

Kolawole Rotimi Vincent: “best rice farmer” in Ekiti State

I have a family of six, and many dependent relatives including my mother. As a participant of the [Venezuelan-funded] SSTC project, I have acquired such skills that I am now known as the best rice farmer in Ekiti State.

We were introduced to various aspects of rice farming, including the production of standard seed, farm mechanization, the use of a reaper during harvest, standard herbicide application, harvesting rice agronomically, and the introduction of new products like rice cakes and rice flours to increase the value of our products.

Before, I had struggled with low yields on my farm. I learned that this was due to sowing multiple rice seeds per hole. I was taught that this method was overcrowding the soil. We now produce six tonnes of rice per hectare. Most importantly, I have learned managerial skills and record-keeping, as well as how to incorporate a proper farm planning schedule for the planting season.

I now own a home and the farmland on which I farm. Having a car and a house to call my own is a dream come true.

Adetunji Abayomi, Ekiti State: a rising tide lifts all boats

At Crystal Gold Rice Enterprise, we collect freshly harvested rice from farmers, which we then process and take to the market for sale.

Through this SSTC project, I received training on rice milling in Senegal. We learned how to properly use a milling machine – I didn’t know that milling was done in different stages. We now mill our rice twice or three times to improve the quality.

We were taken on an excursion to see other factories and farms and observed their operational models and the involvement of surrounding communities.