Dangote extends his rice production plan to Ondo State by acquiring 3,000 hectares of land

AFRICA'S richest man Aliko Dangote has stepped his rice production plans by entering into a partnership with the Ondo State government to acquire 3,000 hectares of land in the state to begin cultivation.

One of the largest agricultural conglomerates in Africa, Dangote Industries specialises in the production of food, building materials and clothing. Well known for its presence in the global sugar and cement sectors, Dangote Industries has been very aggressive in rice production of late, cashing in on a Nigerian government plan to make the country self-sufficient.

It now intends to acquire land in Ondo State to boost production and yesterday the company urged the state government to expedite action on the proposal so that work could commence on the project soon. It stressed that Ondo State had the potential to lead other states of the federation when it comes to rice production.

At a recent meeting with the Ondo State agriculture commissioner Adegboyega Adefarati, in Akure, the state capital, Sani Dawop,  the general manager of Dangote Industries, said the 3,000-hectare rice farm would provide employment for about 6,000 youths in the state. He added that that the farm was expected to produce about 15,000 tonnes of rice annually, while 30% of the workers would be women.

Mr Adefarati, who expressed delight at the proposal, said the government was ready to accept it and work with the firm. According to him, the gesture is in tandem with the state government’s vision to use agriculture as a potent tool for job creation, increased food production and poverty alleviation.

In addition, the commissioner also advocated the establishment of a rice processing industry where farm produce could be processed and packaged in the state so as to prevent capital flight. No timeline has yet been set for then production will start.