The Kebbi State Government on Thursday inaugurated the production of fortified rice as part of efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security in the state.
Gov. Nasir Idris, who launched the initiative at the Takalau Rice Mill in Birnin Kebbi, said the project was aimed at positioning the state as one of the leading rice milling hubs in the country.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Shehu Muazu, described the project as a major boost for low-income earners in the state.
He said the initiative would improve access to rice fortified with essential micronutrients, including zinc, iron, folic acid and vitamins B12, B1, B3 and B6.
“This is a great win for the people of Kebbi. We appreciate the support of our development partners, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServe, in making this project a reality,” he said.
The governor’s wife, Hajiya Nasare Idris, represented by the Special Adviser on Budget Matters, Hajiya Aisha Usman, said the project aligned with ongoing efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health outcomes in the state.
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining rice fortification and other nutrition-related interventions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Faruk Abubakar, said the rice mill had been further upgraded with additional equipment, including a sortex machine and a length grader, to enhance product quality.
He urged local farmers to utilize the facility, assuring them of premium-quality fortified rice output.
It was reported that representatives of development partners at the event commended the state government for prioritizing nutrition.
Mrs Owen Osaigbevo-Iniobong of WFP said the project would help deliver nutrient-rich food to vulnerable populations.
On his part, the Project Manager at TechnoServe, Mr Seun Elere, said improved nutrition was critical to poverty reduction and livelihood improvement.
Similarly, Mr Sani Isyaku of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) praised the state government’s commitment to closing nutritional gaps.
