Nigeria-The Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has expressed optimism that the state will soon become the centre of rice production in the country.
 
Governor Mimiko stated this earlier this week during the official test harvesting of the 10-hectare paddy rice plantation at Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of the State.
 
Mimiko said the initiative, which is a pilot scheme in conjunction with Malaysia partners, will double the yield and the profit margin for the state.
 The Governor who was joined by the Malaysian partners to witness the harvesting process noted that the partnership will afford local farmers to be educated in modern method of rice production, unlike the traditional method that produces less yield and lower profit margin, adding that high level of productivity and profit margin would serve as encouragement to the farmers.

 He assured that at the end of this year's harvest there will be double yield per hectare which according to him also means that farmers can cultivate twice a year.

"So instead of 2.5 tonnes in a year, they can end up with 10 tonnes."

He disclosed that his administration would not relent in its efforts towards engaging youths in profitable ventures stressing that necessary incentives would be provided to encourage them at all times.