Swiss plant equipment manufacturer, Bühler, is collaborating with the Nigerian government on an initiative to increase rice production across the country.
The firm released a statement on Tuesday, April 18, explaining that the project began in 2017 with the deal for the acquisition of a rice mill at Imota and that it has since involved the state and federal governments.
According to Bühler, the rice industry plays an important part in Nigeria’s food security measures, and the federal government is now leading a programme to invest in rice mills across the country. This drive, it says, the company’s solutions are helping to facilitate this effort, as Bühler has operated in Nigeria for over 50 years.
In December 2013, the federal government launched the National Rice Development Strategy-II (2020-2030) and the Competitive African Rice Initiative to guarantee an export surplus of rice, improve food security, and generate new jobs.
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Hence, Bühler’s NRDS-II project is a 10-year plan to develop the rice sector to realise the government’s goals of self-sufficiency in rice production, food and nutrition security, employment creation and production of surplus for export.
Managing Director of Bühler Nigeria, Manuel Murrenhoff, in a statement explained why the company is best suited to partner with Nigeria to reach the country’s goals for the rice sector.
He said: “We are the ideal partner to assist the government with its food security initiatives by introducing the latest trends and technology to Nigeria in order to increase productivity and efficiency in the food sector.”
According to Bühler Nigeria’s sales and channel business manager, Iyore Amadasun, the partnership with Bühler is illustrated by the fully automated Imota rice mill, inaugurated by Muhammadu Buhari, president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in January of this year, said to be the largest rice production facility in sub-Saharan Africa, and with an annual production of about 2.5 million 50 kg bags, it is set to revolutionise the rice industry in the country.
Amadasun said: “At full production capacity, it will reduce the price of rice, increase local capacity and ultimately improve Nigeria’s trade balance.”
The statement also explained that Nigeria will soon have the third-largest population in the world, passing the United States by the year 2050. It also indicated that the world’s current population of 216 million will grow to 401 million by 2050, and then to a maximum of 732 million in 2100.
“Feeding this growing population sustainably and efficiently presents a challenge for the Nigerian government, and Bühler is committed to supporting the nation’s goal of achieving food independence through the provision of reliable food processing technology,” it said.
Bühler Nigeria’s 2022 Project
It noted that in August 2022, Bühler Nigeria hosted its first customer experience day with the theme ‘Thriving through Collaboration’ theme. Manuel Murrenhoff’s keynote address on the topic ‘Africa on the Rise Feeding the Continent of Possibilities’ identified Bühler Nigeria’s support for the country in its quest for food security, including the construction of a grain processing innovation centre in Kano.
“By supporting food producers in Nigeria with technical solutions and a full spectrum of services, we are helping Nigeria to gain food independence and improve food security,” Mr Murrenhoff said.
“Through investment in new technology, partnerships, innovation and education, Bühler Nigeria can create a more sustainable future for all. The strong resonance and positive feedback received is a clear sign that industry and government have accepted full responsibility,” the statement said.
Bühler said it is driven by the vision of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of the economy, humanity, and nature.