Rice Production: Guinea Donates 12 High Yielding Seed Varieties To Nigeria

Rice seed

The federal government’s determination to diversify her mono economy from crude oil to Agriculture and other sectors has received a boost with the Republic of Guinea donating twelve (12) high yielding varieties of rice seeds to increase rice production in Nigeria.


The donation was presented to the Ministry on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Guinea by the Charge “D” Affairs of Nigeria to the Republic of Guinea, Ambassador Jerry Hassan.

The Ambassador explained that his decision to solicit for these varieties of rice seeds from the Republic of Guinea was informed by the commitment of the Present Administration to diversify the  economy from oil to  other sectors, particularly Agriculture.

He further explained that these varieties of rice seeds which are high yielding could be cultivated three times in a year and would boost  rice production in Nigeria.

The Desk Officer, Rice Value Chain, Dr. Victor Onyeneke, who received the donation on behalf of the Ministry expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Guinea and affirmed that the high yielding varieties of rice seeds would reduce the cost of production for rice farmers with an increase in yield.

Dr. Onyeneke stated that the kind gesture from the Republic of Guinea was not only for the Ministry    but for the entire country as it would go a long way in increasing food production and improving livelihoods.
He explained that these varieties of rice seeds would be handed over to relevant agencies of the Ministry namely; the Agricultural Quarantine Services; National Agricultural Seed Council and National Cereal Research Institute for analysis and confirmation.

In his remarks, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director (West Africa), Foreign Affairs, Mr.  Adesina Foluso, lauded the Government of the Republic of Guinea for the kind gesture extended to the country and called for more collaboration with other countries in the world for mutual benefits.