The Kebbi Government, on Thursday, commissioned fortified rice production equipment as part of efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security in the state, Peak Newspaper reports.
Gov. Nasir Idris, who commissioned the equipment at Takalau rice mill in Birnin Kebbi, said the aimed was to position the state as as one of only seven milling states in the country.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Shehu Muazu, described the project as a major boost for low-income earners in the state.
He said the initiative would improve access to rice fortified with essential micronutrients, including zinc, iron, folic acid, and vitamins B12, B1, B3 and B6.
“ This is a great win for the people of Kebbi. We appreciate the support of our development partners, particularly the World Food Programme (WFP) and TechnoServe, in making this project a reality,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the governor’s wife, Hajiya Nasare Idris, represented by the Special Adviser on Budget Matters, Hajiya Aisha Usman, said the project aligned with efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health outcomes in the state.
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining rice fortification and other nutrition-related interventions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Faruk Abubakar Kigo, said the mill had been further upgraded with additional equipment, including a sortex machine and a length grader, to enhance rice quality.
He urged local farmers to utilise the facility, assuring them of premium-quality, fortified rice output.
The representatives of development partners at the event commended the state government for prioritising nutrition.
Mrs. Owen Osaigbevo-Iniobong of WFP, said the project would help deliver nutrient-rich food to vulnerable populations.
On his part, Mr. Seun Elere, the Project Manager at TechnoServe, noted that improved nutrition was critical to poverty reduction and livelihood improvement.
Similarly, Mr. Sani Isyaku of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) praised the state’s commitment to closing nutritional gaps.
