Abia State government has entered into partnership with the National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike to establish an agro-processing zone at Industrial Park, Owaza.
The commissioner for agriculture, Monica Ironkwe announced this while hosting the state chapter of Rice Farmers and Rice Mill Owners Association of Nigeria in her office in Umuahia, the state capital.
She said produce that will be processed in the park, strategically located in Ukwa West local government will include cocoa, palm oil, cassava, maize and “to add value to other farm produce”.
Prof Ironkwe also announced that the administration plans to have a comprehensive data of rice farmers in the state for easy identification, assessment and further support.
She assured them of the preparedness of the ministry to collaborate with the chapter to boost rice production in the state in line with the administration’s agenda for food security.
Earlier, the chairman of the chapter, Jack Okwuonu appealed to the administration to assist them by establishing automated milling machines among other incentives to improve the quality of their produce.
Okwuonu, who commended the agricultural policies and agenda of the administration, added that they came to familiarise themselves with the commissioner and to work out areas of cooperation with the ministry.