Rice: Gov Obiano Inspects, Upgrades Facilities Towards Achieving 613,000 Tons Annually

KINGSLEY EZEKWELU

Gov Willie Obiano has paid a working visit to Josan Giant Rice Mill to inspect facilities of the milling company, which is located at Umumbo in Ayamelum Council of Anambra State. 

The governor ascertained that the State Government plans to collaborate with the Federal Government to rehabilitate a major water pumping system for Irrigation at Omor, also in Ayamelum Council Area.

The governor made this known during his working visit to the LAIP Omor Rice Fields and a giant rice mill at Umumbo in Ayamelum Council Area.

The Umumbo Rice Mill which had the capacity to do fifty thousand metric tons of rice per annum but has been abandoned for a long time, was built during the era of former President Shehu Shagari.

On arrival at the mill, the governor went round to inspect the facilities which were undergoing comprehensive upgrade.

Addressing the people after the inspection exercise, Gov Obiano acknowledged that the decision to revamp the pumping system was meant to support all-year-round rice planting in Ayamelum Council area.

He disclosed that his administration aims to upgrade the mill to double its capacity, adding that to achieve that, the rice production capacity of the area must increase, hence the need for the irrigation system.

He noted that Ayamelum Council Area had huge prospects for his administration’s target for the State to do 613,000 metric tons of rice per annum. He therefore expressed confidence that when it comes full stream, the project will give impetus to the agricultural revolution vision of his administration.

The state government, the governor promised, will address the water challenges of Umumbo community to provide the people with potable water.

The traditional ruler of Umumbo, Igwe Simeon Chidubem and his Omor Counterpart, Igwe Chidume Oranu, commended the governor for his interest in repositioning the agricultural sector of the state to become a major income earner for the citizens, noting that Ndi Ayamelum were the highest beneficiaries of the revolution as they were mainly farmers.

The President General of Umumbo community, Mr. Anthony Nnaama revealed that the State Government was working out plans with the community to provide water for the people through a nearby Ezu-Igbiti stream and thanked the governor for the 300 hectare seed multiplication centre being sited in his community.