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Abia Government says it has successfully completed the pilot phase of the Abia Rice Intensive Cultivation and Expansion (ARICE) program, describing it as a significant step towards establishing Abia as a major Rice-producing state.
The proof-of-concept project was conducted on 150 hectares of land in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, and harvesting is currently underway.
According to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze FCIB while speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, he revealed that the program will be rolled out to other identified locations, targeting 8,500 hectares.
He noted that mechanized farming techniques will be employed to maximize efficiency and productivity.
The Commissioner said, “Today, we celebrate a major milestone in our Agricultural development journey. The ARICE program’s pilot phase has demonstrated the vast potential of our land and the dedication of our farmers. As we scale up this initiative, we’re confident that it will not only boost rice production but also create economic opportunities for our citizens.
“I will like to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Alex Oti, for his unwavering support and vision for Agricultural development in Abia State. His leadership is pivotal to the success of this program.
I commend the tireless efforts of all stakeholders and look forward to the program’s continued success.”
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