The RICEADVICE smartphones distribution, which was done through the National Cereals Research Institute, NCRI, commenced with the training of 50 rice farmers extension officers on how to use the smartphones to obtain relevant information to boost rice production in the country.
The training programme drew participants from six pilot states of Kogi, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, Kebbi and Niger, where rice is being produced with comparative advantage.
Speaking at the event in Lokoja, Kogi State, Acting Executive Director of NCRI, Agboire Samuel, said the gesture was part of the Federal Government’s policy aimed at scaling up rice production in the country to meet both local and export demands.
He said apart from serving as e-extension tools for farmers in the area of rice production, the smartphones would also serve as employment opportunity for the beneficiaries given the applications embedded in the gadgets.
