FG, Anambra To Revamp Omor Rice Mill

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Adewumi Adesina, has said that the Federal Government would partner the Anambra Government to revamp and “possibly expanding the state’s giant rice mill at Omor”.

Adesina made the statement recently after touring and inspecting facilities at the mill at Omor in Ayemelum Local Government Area of the state.

The minister commended the State Government’s commitment to the development of the Omor Rice Mill Project and the Anambra Rice Initiative.

“It is a pity that this critical and viable mill, with the capacity to turn out at least 30,000 tonnes of rice annually is producing far below capacity.

“While revamping, it will create job opportunities, strengthen the economy and reduce rice importation in the country.

The Minister said that the ministry would equally work with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to resuscitate the collapsed Anambra Irrigation Project at Ifite-Ogwari.

Responding, Gov. Peter Obi called for integrated and comprehensive turn-around of the project that would revitalise the mill, the irrigation project and access roads.

Obi assured the State Government’s commitment to fulfilling its side of the partnership, saying that the facility had the potential of empowering a lot of people.

In a related development, the Anambra Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the federal Government to boost cassava production in the state.

Obi signed for the State Government while the minister of agriculture signed for the Federal Government.

Adesina said that the Federal Government transformational agenda in the agricultural sector was aimed at total revolution of the agricultural sector of the nation’s economy.