By Gami Tadanyigbe
Gwagwalada (FCT) – Some farmers in FCT rural communities have commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), for the three-day capacity building for women on rice processing.
The farmers made the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Gwagwalada, during the closing ceremony of the workshop on Improved Rice Parboiling Technique for women.
Hajia Rakiya Mamman, one of the participants, from Gwagwalada Area Council, commended the ministry for the new initiative.
Mamman said that she would use the knowledge she acquired from the exercise to boost rice production in her community.
Mrs Deborah Gaza, another participant, from Abaji Area Council, said that the new rice parboiling technique was an added advantage for empowerment.
“The knowledge acquired from the training will empower us on qualitative rice processing to support our families and community,’’ Gaza said.
According to another participant, Miss Sarah Kaka from Kuje Area Council, she now appreciates the difference between the old method of parboiling rice and the new improved technique.
Mrs Juliana David, from Bwari Area Council, said that the “technique if properly utilised will reduce processing time and improve the quality of processed rice.”
The facilitator, Alhaji Isiaka Shaibu, told NAN that the aim of the training was to enhance the production of quality rice for Nigerians.
Shaibu said the training, powered by Extension Department of the ministry, was aimed at building capacity of women on a technique known as “False Bottom Rice Parboiling Technology’’.
He said that the participants were chosen from the six area councils of the FCT, adding that local production of rice will go a long way to boost economic development of the country.
Shaibu, however, advised Nigerians to avoid consuming rice that had been stored for a long time.
(NAN)
