Former Ebonyi State Governor Honored for Promoting Local Rice Production and Quality Assurance

Former Ebonyi State Governor, His Excellency Sen David Umahi, has been praised for his contributions to the repositioning and sustainability of the agricultural system in the state. His initiatives included the "One-Man-One-hectare" policy and sending youths abroad for agricultural training. Additionally, he imported rice seedlings from foreign countries and ensured their successful cultivation.

The result of these efforts is evident in the high-quality rice produced in Ebonyi State, which includes long-grain varieties from Hungary and India. The local production of rice was encouraged further when former President Muhammadu Buhari closed the Nigerian border, leading to increased demand for locally grown rice.

To ensure the quality of rice, consumers are advised not to purchase long storage rice, which may contain harmful chemicals used for preservation. Instead, consumers can obtain rice from trusted sources, such as Ebonyi State, where rice is re-milled, de-stoned, and polished before packaging, with no preservatives.

Consumers are also urged to be cautious of the packaging, as some bags labeled as 50kg may actually contain less rice. Authentic bags are exclusively produced by the Ebonyi State Government and bear the "ABAKALIKI RICE MILL" logo. Additionally, buyers are advised to reset the scales themselves when purchasing rice to ensure accurate measurements.

When buying rice, consumers should request that it is weighed after de-stoning, as chaff and stones can artificially increase the weight. Freshness is essential, with rice ideally being no more than three months old after harvesting to maintain taste and quality.

The public is encouraged to report any attempts to charge extra fees for de-stoning and bagging, as it is considered fraudulent.

Mazi Damian Okafor, the National Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, also introduced his wife as a reputable rice supplier, ready to provide quality rice in any quantity across the country. She can be contacted at 07046043131. The message expresses gratitude for the public's understanding and cooperation and anticipates increased patronage.