TheCable

Olam Nigeria had a good showing on the Nigerian rice brand at the Rice Trade Fair, held in Kano recently with its Mama’s Pride and Chef’s Choice dominating the one-day event.

According to Ade Adefeko, head, corporate and government relations of Olam Nigeria, the brands were so well-received that they sold over 125 bags at the fair, reinforcing its position as largest investor in local rice production.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the fair. We call for more of such activities to help boost rice production, increase awareness and improve patronage of Nigerian brands of rice,” he said, expressing pleasure at the outcome of the fair.

“As per our brands, generally, people love Mama’s Pride because of its packaging, grain length and brightness.”

The organisers of the event, represented by Tunde Oderinde, team leader of Growth and Employment in States Programme, were equally happy with the outcome, particularly the active participation of local players led by Olam Nigeria.

“Olam Nigeria has reinforced its position as the biggest local rice player in the country with an investment outlay in billions of naira as it had the most coordinated and attractive stand at the trade fair,” he said.

“The outcome of the fair gives hope for local rice production and packaging because there is noticeable enthusiasm both from farmers, millers and consumers.”

Similarly, Rasheed Olaoluwa, managing directorchief executive officer, Bank of Industry, who graced the event as special guest, described the quality of the fair as remarkable.

He also noted the firm commitment of conglomerates like Olam Nigeria to the development of the rice industry in Nigeria given that the local rice industry is yet at a developmental stage.

“From what Olam Nigeria demonstrated at this fair, the level and quality of investment made by the company is an indicator that Nigeria can look to the future with optimism as far as the rice industry is concerned,” he said.

Adefeko later revealed that the company’s impressive showing at the fair was possible because it had made huge investments in agriculture, particularly local rice production.

“We have a 19 billion naira 10,000 hectare farm and mechanized mill with a capacity to produce 36,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in Rukubi, Nasarawa state, and an out-grower programme which currently employs about 3,000 farmers,” he said.

He assured the public that his company would continue to support more farmers with training, pre-finance and agri-inputs to improve their paddy yield.

“Our target is about 16,000 farmers by 2018 so as to sustain our leadership status in the rice value chain sphere.”