The annual dry season farming inputs distribution to out-grower farmers by
WACOT Rice Limited has been inaugurated by Senator Abubakar Kyari,
minister of Agriculture and Food Security. The ceremony was performed in
Argungu, Kebbi State, which also hosts WACOT’s rice mill.
The dry season farming inputs distribution was part of efforts to assist the
small holder farmers on the out-grower progamme in the effort to increase
production of rice in 2024. It is also geared towards increasing the quality of
the small holder farmers’ livelihood through access to the required agri-
input financing, capacity building on Yield Enhancement Techniques, YET,
and Good Agronomic Practices, GAP. That was not the only thing that Kyari
did in Argungu during his visit. He also confirmed the expansion of the
company’s operation. Kyari did that by inspecting WACOT Rice’s state-of-
the-art 250,000-ton capacity mill, scheduled for inauguration later in the
year. The minister who was excited by the initiative, expressed the hope
that it would boost farmers’ productivity and income.
Kyari further lauded WACOT Rice and its parent company, Tropical
General Investments (TGI) Group, in their efforts to empower farmers
across various value chains nationwide. Hear him: “I am impressed with
what I have seen. This project is heading in the right direction, utilizing the
farm produce from local farmers for raw materials.” To show deep
appreciation for the initiatives by organisations like WACOT, he said the
federal government was ready to partner with them towards tackling food
insecurity in the country. That partnership will be towards widening the
horizon for the productivity of WACOT, among other organisations, so that
the government will support them to boost food production. The minister
said, “The government stands ready to support initiatives like WACOT Rice,
recognizing their potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods. As part of
our strategic focus, we are actively considering creating a farmland for
WACOT Rice, further enhancing our agricultural capabilities.” Kyari may
have struck the right chord with that statement.
Farouk Gumel, Chairman of WACOT Rice and Vice Chairman (Africa) of
TGI Group, said that “Whenever we have special guests visit us here, we
get very excited. The feedback we receive encourages us to intensify our
efforts in production. The community here is peaceful, inclusive, and
accepting, and what we’ve achieved is not just a result of hard work but
also the love shown by the host community.” His next statement appeared
a direct response and appreciation of the minister’s gesture. He said, “We
are here to assure him and the rest of Nigeria that we will play our part in
bringing peace and prosperity to the nation through our agricultural
endeavours.”
Gumel emphasized WACOT Rice’s commitment to Nigeria’s food security.
He highlighted the inclusivity of the out-grower programme, supporting
farmers of all demographics with certified seeds, agrochemicals, and
training sessions to enhance productivity and income.
Over 10,000 registered farmers including a large number of women and
youth in the state will receive agri-inputs, water pumps, training sessions
and extension support during the dry season farming period.
Ibrahim Alhassan, a Dabuzama Rice Farmers Association member,
expressed heartfelt gratitude by acknowledging the significant impact of
WACCOT Rice through its Agri-input loan program. Alhassan emphasized
that WACCOT Rice’s support has been pivotal. He said, “WACCOT Rice’s
continuous assistance, from providing essential inputs showcased in the
display stand to comprehensive training and capacity building, has
transformed our lives”.
WACOT Rice Limited is a member of the TGI Group, and operates an
integrated state-of-the-art rice mill in Argungu, Kebbi State. The 120,000-
ton rice mill, whose capacity is being increased to 250,000 tons, is one of
the largest rice mills in Sub-Saharan Africa and gets paddy from various
paddy-producing states across Nigeria. It produces two premium
household brands of parboiled rice known as Big Bull and Patriot.
