Niger Sign’s MoU with Kiara Rice Mills to strengthen states rice value chain;
The Niger state government has signed a memorandum of understanding ( MoU) with Kiara Rice Mills Limited to boost the state government’s effort at strengthening its agricultural value chain.
The MOU which is valid for two years focuses particularly on strengthening the state’s food company, Niger Foods Limited to establish its prominent presence in the food processing markets.
It also gives prominence to transforming the state’s rice production sector from a subsistence rice sector into a commercially oriented one.
In addition, the clause of the agreement dictates that Kaira Rice Mills Limited would provide technical partnership in the areas of project management and development, enable the state government to access funding, and also allow for co-investments and joint ventures in the agricultural value chain on bilateral agreements.
“This will in turn bring about sustainable development, while also creating job opportunities in the state” according to the MoU.
The partnership will also see to the provision of technical training for farmers and processors as well as the establishment of industry associations and stakeholder platforms.
In line with the federal government’s quest for Climate-Resilient Rice Commercialization, the partnership will also see increased net incomes of rice producers without compromising the state’s natural resource base.
The MoU was signed at the just concluded COP28 in Dubai, by the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago on behalf of the state government, while, the Managing Director of Kiara Rice Mills Limited- Mr Palash Jain signed it on behalf of the company.
