Ebonyi Bans Consumption of Foreign Rice to Boost Local Production
Featured, Latest Headlines, News Sunday, October 23rd, 2016
By IGNATIUS OKPARA, Ebonyi
As part of measure to promote the popular local “Abakaliki rice”, the Governor David Umahi, led administration in Ebonyi State, south east Nigeria has banned consumption of foreign rice at public functions in the area.
He announced this weekend after inspecting the Iboko and Ikwo rice mill clusters in the state.
Umahi, disclosed that as a way of leading by example, he had directed persons who cook for the state government to turn to indigenous rice forthwith.
”The parboiling process Abakaliki rice undergoes makes it durable, unlike the imported rice which does not undergo parboiling. he stated.
“That is why after six months it becomes chaff and unhealthy for consumption.
According to the governor, “that is why we have banned our cooks from cooking any other rice except Abakaliki rice.”
Umahi, added that the parboiling plants, fully installed in the two locations, would enhance massive rice production in the state.
He, however, expressed confidence that the price of local rice, which hitherto skyrocketed, would drop gradually when government policies on rice production are fully implemented.
The governor further explained that the available rice mills were not enough.
He hinted that his administration has concluded arrangement for the establishment of additional three rice mills in the state, calling on the people to embrace the inigenous rice.
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