In a strategic move to boost national food security, the government of Kebbi state has announced a collaborative initiative with the Integrated Rice and Fish Diversification Project (IRFDP) aimed at amplifying the production of rice and fish.
During a recent visit by the IRFDP delegation to the state capital, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris emphasized that agriculture ranks high among his administration’s priorities. He assured the IRFDP team of the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the success of this joint endeavor.
The governor, who was represented by Bala Tafidan Yauri, the Secretary to the State Government, went on to encourage the IRFDP team to expand the scope of their program to encompass all 21 local councils within Kebbi state.
Speaking on the project’s objectives, Prof. Emmanuel Ajayi, the Team Leader, highlighted that the collaboration between Kebbi and Ebonyi states was established to diversify agriculture, with a specific focus on rice and fish farming.
Ajayi explained that the IRFDP project is supported by USAID in partnership with the University of Ibadan, Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto, and other collaborators.
“The project’s primary goal is to integrate fish cultivation with rice production, fostering a synergistic approach” Ajayi disclosed.
He further revealed the project’s broader aim is to enhance the country’s food security that is why Kebbi was chosen as the leading state for this initiative due to its remarkable prowess in rice and fish production, followed closely by Ebonyi State.
Ajayi also detailed that the project has already facilitated training sessions for local stakeholders, imparting knowledge on the intricacies of rice and fish farming diversification through the utilization of advanced technology.
