Edo’ll produce Ekpoma, Illushi rice to feed Nigeria, reveals Umakhihe

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and now an APC chieftain in Edo State, advocates for Edo to become Nigeria’s rice hub. He aims to revive agriculture, especially rice farming in Esanland, drawing on historical varieties like ‘Ekpoma Rice’ and ‘Illushi Rice’. Umakhihe plans to address challenges such as water scarcity and poor infrastructure, proposing solutions like boreholes and irrigation systems to boost productivity and ensure food security in Edo. Source: The Guardian

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Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, a retired Permanent Secretary from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and an APC chieftain in Edo State, is championing the revival of agriculture, particularly rice farming, in the state. He envisions Edo becoming Nigeria’s rice kingpin once again, focusing on revitalizing historical rice varieties like ‘Ekpoma Rice’ and ‘Illushi Rice’ from Esanland.
Umakhihe emphasizes the need for women and youths to engage in rice farming, highlighting the state’s potential and historical success in rice production. He plans to address challenges such as water scarcity by sinking boreholes in rural communities, ensuring both drinking water and irrigation for farming. Improving infrastructure, including roads for better market access, is also on his agenda.
As a gubernatorial aspirant, Umakhihe aims to implement comprehensive agricultural strategies, including reintroducing irrigation systems to enhance productivity. His goal is to replicate the agricultural successes seen in northern Nigeria in Edo State, ultimately fostering food security and economic development.