By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi State Government has allocated 15,000 hectares of land to two indigenous millers to accelerate rice production in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Dayyabu Chiroma, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bauchi.
Chiroma said that 10,000 hectares of land were allocated to Tiamin Rice Mill and 5,000 others to Umza International Ltd.
He said the gesture was to complement the Federal Government efforts towards encouraging rice production for self-sufficiency.
The Commissioner said the gesture was also part of deliberate attempt to encourage investment in agriculture and boost state revenue base.
“The firms will not only help in transforming the lives of local farmers but also provide employment opportunities.
“People can get fresh and quality rice from local markets as well as improve businesses across the state.
“Investors stand to benefit from incentives such as free land for setting up of factories and manufacturing industries.
“The private sector has a key role to play in expanding the state industrial base,” he said.
According to him, investments such as the rice mill will fast track state government drive to achieve sustainable industrial growth through effective utilisation of agriculture and water resources in the state.
Chiroma reiterated the state government commitment to ease of doing business, to encourage investment in agriculture and mining sectors.
It will be recalled that Tiamin Rice had established a mega mill in Bauchi and rice plantation at Udubu in Gamawa Local Government Area of the state.
While Umza announced plans to invest about $100m dollars in paddy rice and industrial sugarcane cultivation in the state. (NAN)
