In support of the Federal Government’s efforts towards boosting local rice production in the country, Bende Local Government Area Council of Abia State has concluded plans to install a rice de-stoning machine in the area.
The Transition Committee Chairman of the council, Pastor Okechukwu Dike, disclosed this in an interview with The Point in his office in Bende, the headquarters of the council. Dike said the move was aimed at encouraging farmers to increase their production capacity, improve the quality of the product and minimise the post-harvest loses to the barest minimum.
He also said the machine, which would be expected to serve farmers in both the area and the neighbouring communities, would also generate revenue for the council and create employment opportunities. According to him, “We hope that before the end of February, we would have been through with the installation of the machine and and also conclude the training and orientation of those who will man and maintain it.”
