Improved Rice Varieties, Production Technologies and Processing Constraints in Nigeria

Abstract

Production and processing technologies have not been able to meet the increasing demand for rice in Nigeria. In West Africa sub region, Nigeria has experienced a well established growing demand for rice caused by rising per capita consumption and consequently the insufficient domestic production had to be complemented with enormous import both in quality and value at various time. However, because of the growing importance of the crop, FAO estimated that annual rice production should be increased from 586 million metric tonnes in 2001 to meet the projected global demand of about 756 million metric tonnes by 2030. To achieve the target, Nigeria has made significant strides towards increasing their rice production by encouraging the adoption of new improved varieties just as to reduce the spate of rice importation in the nearest future. In view of the above, this paper employed secondary data approach to do justice with the followings; rice varieties and production ecologies in Nigeria, rice production and processing constraints in Nigeria, rice production and consumption trends in Nigeria, a taxonomy of  Nigerian rice trade policy and technology package for improved rice variety. This paper recommended that; Effort must be geared to grow rice production level geometrically to keep pace with population growth in Nigeria. Use of improved rice varieties should be encouraged and educated to farmers through the aids of extension workers, workshop on rice production management should be organized frequently to foster and rekindle the spirit of the farmers on rice production.