NCRI, Korean Foundation sign pact on rice production

TO boost rice production in Katsina State, the National Cereals Research Institute ( NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) with a non- profit organisation from the Republic of Korea, Saemaul Undong Foundation ( SUF) for the education and training of extension farmers and local rice farmers in the state.

The event, which held at NCRI centre, Ibadan, saw the Director and Head of Research Department at NCRI, Dr Samuel Oladele Bakare and the Country Director of SUF, Mr Lee Kyungbok, appended their signatures to the MOU expected to change and improve the knowledge of rice farmers in Katsina State.

This collaboration is key in the efforts of the government to boost rice production in the State as the Institute is charged with the role of providing the needed materials for education and training of local rice farmers.

NCRI is also charged with the development of training modules for pest control for local rice farmers. This also aligns with the foundation’s aim to support members of the rural community who are into rice farming to increase their production capacity, reduce post- harvest losses and improve their overall income level through provision of technical support and on site equipment.

This agreement/ partnership is also shared by the Katsina State government and Dangote Rice Limited respectively.

The project, which takes off immediately after the signing, is expected to improve the lifestyle of these farmers within Katsina State and redefine the face of agriculture within Nigeria.

The word: “Saemaul” which stands for ‘ New Community Movement’ is guided by over 50 years of experience in the Republic of Korea and is present in over four countries across the African continent, aims at rural development within local communities and examining their weakness and strength in a bid to improve their productivity and selfreliance.

Saemaul Undong Foundation gives the communities the opportunity to harness locally available resources to reduce their cost of production.