




































 
 

Embargo on Foreign Rice Importation and its Implications on 

Quality Improvement of Local Rice in Cross River State, Nigeria 

Ojong, Felix E., Emeka, Josephat O., Agba AM Ogaboh, Williams, William O., 
&Egwuonwu Chiamaka Venantus 

Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Cross River State, 

Nigeria 

 

*Corresponding Author email: williamokon4good@gmail.com 

Abstract 
This study analyzed the embargo on foreign rice importation and its implications on quality 
improvement of local rice. I texamined the likelihood for local rice quality to improve 
following land border closure on imported rice, assessed the level of rice quality 
improvement, and examined dimensions of which local rice quality has improved in Cross 
River State. 
The study was conducted in Calabar, Cross River State and the study population was rice 
producers from three Rice Associations and stratified random sampling was used to draw a 
sample size of the 365 producers. It utilized a survey research design that was guided by 
import substitution industrialization theory. Questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) were 
used in collecting data; qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis, while 
quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, simply percentages and incidence pattern 
analysis. Embargo on foreign rice importation has helped to improve the quality of local rice, 
following Government interventions in the area of skills development for producers, as well 
as deploying new rice production technologies. Again, rice quality improvement level was 
moderate (75%), showing that recent local rice quality was not in ferior like same local rice 
in the past years before border closure policy. More so, the use of certified seeds and 
seedlings of improved rice varieties during cultivation, the use of modern processing 
techniques and equipment, have helped to improve the local rice quality in the area of good 
taste, stone, reduction, dirt particles and odour freeness. The Government should further 
intervene by establishing rice processing outfits in some rice producing communities that 
lack processing equipment so as to further improve the quality of local rice. 
 
Keywords: Rice, Importation, Quality improvement, Embargo, Border closure. 

 

Introduction 

Rice is astaple foodmassively consumed by people across different socio- economic 
statuses in Nigeria. Recent reports by PWC (2018), shows that Nigeriais one of the major 
producers of rice but consumes about 6.4m tons annually, compared to its annual local rice 
production rate of 3.7 million metric tons per annum. This deficit coupled with 
consumers’high preference for foreign rice, has made the nation to constantly import foreign 
rice into the country. In fact, foreign rice importation has been ongoing in the nation for many 
decades; and is seen as a normal phenomenon.Certainly, most of the foreign rice were 
imported into the nation directly from the producing countries such as Thailand, India, 
Indonesia,andChina. However, due to government’sregular restrictions measures, such as 
high import tariff, the importers resorted to importingforeign ricethroughland bordersof West 
African neighbouring countries suchas Benin Republic border, Niger border, Cameroun 
border, and Chad borderthereby makingsmuggling to become the order of business. 
(Okonkwo, 2021;Otu, Eja, Eko, & Josephat, 2011; Osonwa, Eja& Josephat,2015).As a matter 

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of fact, most of foreign rice smuggling activities were organized through Benin republic 
border in particular. Usually, Benin Republicimports the highest metric tons of rice from 
Thailand and equally sells directly to Nigeria. Forinstance, Okonkwo, et al,(2021) reported 
that a total of 24,992 metric tons of rice were imported through land borders in 2006, while 
goods including rice worth $5bn are smuggled into Nigeria yearly through Benin Republic 
alone. 

In the past,the government had initiated policies to curb the excessive import and 
smuggling from neigbouring borders. For instance, there wasa ban on the importation of 
agricultural produce especially rice from Benin Republic in 2004 and from all its 
neighbouring countries in 2006. (National Bureau of Statistics reports, 2018). These measures 
were meant to reduce dependence on imported rice, boost domestic rice production, and 
improve rice quality which wouldencourage consumption of local rice.Nevertheless, foreign 
rice continually infiltrated the nation through the same neigbouring land borders, thus, 
making local rice production sub-sector moribundfollowing low consumers’ patronage.It was 
this situation that compelledthePresident Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeriato 
implement all ‘Land Border Closure Policy’ on August, 2019, which totally put embargo on 
foreign rice importation into Nigeria. The strategy is to promote import substitution with a 
motive to expand and boost thelocal rice industry in order to achieve self-sufficiency 
especially in rice production. 

After the closure of border on imported rice, both federal and state government in 
collaboration with some donor Agricultural agencies had transformed the sub-sector by 
adopting certain interventionist strategies to boost local rice production especially in the 
aspects of training of producers, provision of farming and processing technologies, as well as 
modern equipment,(CBN, 2021; Osonwa, Eja, & Emeka, 2015;Ojong, Agba, Eteng, Maruf, 
Akintola, & Usung, 2021;Iji, Ojong, & Angioha, 2018;Ayuk, Owan, Ekok, & Odinka, 2012). 
In fact, this revolution in Rice production hascontinually transformed local rice production 
sub sector especially in the 18 Statesof the federation, including Cross River that are 
predominantly rice producers, thus creating certain improvements in local quality. However, 
the crucial issue of concern is thegeneral consumers’ doubt in quality of Nigerian local rice 
compared to foreign rice. Ideally, consumers prefer rice that possess superior quality with 
good taste, stone and debris free, clean and very easily to prepare. But after the closure of 
land border onimported rice, some consumers stillperceived locally produced rice to be of 
inferior quality due to presence of stones and dust, broken grains, which makes it very 
difficult to prepareand consume.With this attitude, some people arestill discouraged to 
patronize local rice while othersare agitatingto the Government to open the borderso that they 
could have access to foreign rice. This present agitation is putting pressure on the 
Government to reversethe border closure policy against rice importation. 

Though many studies have analyzed the implications ofthe foreign rice’s embargo on 
local rice, they only focused onquantity and demand aspect of locally produced rice.(Nwali, 
2019).But attempts have scarcely been made to assess if the embargo has likely improved 
local rice quality.  What then is the level of quality improvement, and,what are the 
dimensions of which rice quality improved? In view of the above, this study assessed 
embargo on importation of foreign rice and its implications on quality improvement of local 
rice in Cross River State. It is specifically intended to examinethe likelihood for rice quality 
to improve after embargo on importation of local rice,assess thelevelof local rice quality 
improvement,investigate the dimensions for quality improvement and the aspects of which 
quality has improved in Cross River State, Nigeria. 

Literature Review and Theoretical framework 

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 Closure ofland border on imported foreign rice has tremendouslyincreased the 
quantity of local rice production, making Nigeria to be ranked the largest producer of rice in 
the black continent of Africa (PWC Report, 2018). Despite the increased production, the 
improvement of the local rice qualityis uncertain. Indeed, a survey by Omobolaji, (2019) 
reveals that the quality of Nigerian local rice is poor because some processors do not have 
adequate processing technologies and equipment.Relatively, among the foreign rice often 
imported into Nigeria, Thailand rice, India riceis perceived tobe ofhighquality, because of its 
immaculate appearance and cleanliness, high swelling capacity, perfect taste, strong grain texture, 
stones and specks freeness (Okonkwo, et al 2021;Edem, Agba, & Ojong, 2020). On the other hand,our 
local rice is totally noted for its lower quality. In this regard, a study prior to the land border closure 
by Oni and Olayemi (1973), indicated that Nigerian rice is of a lower quality when compared 
toforeign rice, because it usually containeddebris and stones, often gumming with soured taste. 
 Furthermore,Oduntan (2019), asserts that the quality of local rice may either be determined or 
rated poor, average, or high based on rice taste, graintexture, dirt and stonecontent, colour and 
cleanness,swelling capacity and even ease of preparation. But some impediments against local rice 
quality improvement according to Omobolaji(2020) are lack of adequate processing and milling 
technologies, equipment such as poor parboiling system, obsolete milling machines, as well 
asconstant preference for used of manual processing methods. On the contrary, Oyewale, (2019), 
Nwali, (2019) argued that there has been an undeniable improvement in quality of local rice since 
border closure. Nwali, (2019)specifically accepted that prior to embargo, local rice quality was poor, 
but as of recent there has been lot of tremendous improvement the quality compared to the quality of 
the same local rice decades ago. In line with this, Oyewale, (2019), affirms that the current quality of 
domestic rice can equally compete with the imported rice.  
 Since the embargo, both government and private business individuals have provided supports 
in rice production sub- sector. As reported by Adamgbe, et al (2019),both federal and some state 
governments have been creating significant strategies that boost local rice production with a motiveto 
end imports, using incentives such as, subsidized loans for producers. For example, the ‘Anchor 
Borrowing Programme’provides inputs in kind and cash to smallholder rice producers, tax rebate, free 
access to farm land, provision of certified seeds and improved seedlings, fertilizers, deployment of 
modern rice technologies at subsidized rate, as well as, provision of free land used for rice cultivation 
and processing. Another strategy is imposing higher tariffon imports. For instance, there is a 70% 
import tariff on rice import as at 2019 (CBN, 2021). Other strategies include private partnership and 
Agricultural Agency collaboration, (IFAD, 2019; ), as well as provision of modern processing and 
milling equipment. Based on these,‘Import Substitution Industrializationtheory’ is relevant to the 
phenomenon under study. 
 Import substitution industrialization theory was propounded in the early 19th century. 
However, it was really popularized by Alexander Hamilton and Friedrich List in the 20th century.This 
theory advocates development economic policies, and strongly calls the attention of importing nations 
to proactively protect their domestic industries by reducing or ending foreign imports especially on 
food products such as rice. By doing this, the theory encouragesimporting countries to implement 
policies that would protect, strengthen, and boost primary industries such as the agriculture sector by 
applying different strategies such as investment supports, tariffs, import quotas, subsidized 
government loans, etcetera(Adamgbe, et al, 2020).Rather than totally relying on imported rice, import 
substitution industrialization theory is projected to make Nigeria andits local economies, self- 
sufficient in food production such as localrice. 

Methodology 

This study was carried out in Calabar, Cross River state. The state was purposively 
chosen because it warehouses six LocalGovernment area that are predominantly rice 
producers.A survey research design was adopted for the study. The designed allow the 
researcher to survey a subunit of the population in order to obtain certain information about a 
phenomenon that concern them (Akpabio, Angioha, Egwuonwu, Awusa, & Ndiyo, 
2020;Ojong-Ejoh, Bassey& Angioha, 2021;Ukwayi, Eja. & Unwanede, 2012; Achu, Owan, 

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Uyang. & Francis, 2013; Nnam, Owan, Idike, Ibiam, Agboti, Kanu, & Okechukwu, 2020). 
The population of the study consisted of members of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria 
(RIFAN), Cross River State Farmers’ Cooperatives Empowerment (CRS- FACE), and Rice 
Processors Association and Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON). Sample size for 
the study was 365; this was obtained from the population using a‘Z test’ formula at a 
confidence level of 95% (1.96) given room for 5% confidence error.Respondents were 
selected randomly from all the three Associations through stratified random sampling having 
divided the sample population into strata,while simple random sampling was finally used to 
draw respondentsfrom each stratum. Data was collected through the use of questionnaire and 
in-depth interview (IDI) method. The questions consisted of both open and close ended 
questions. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, and each section was targeted at 
each objective of the study. The questionnaire was administered to respondents 
duringtheirmeeting day at venue of the meeting, and was retrieved the same day. In- depth 
interview was conducted with nine (9) senior officers ofthe associations who are well 
experienced on rice production activities. In-depth interview schedule was used as a guide 
during the interview, while hand-written reports were used in recording data with the help of 
two research assistants. Thequalitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while the 
quantitative data were analyzed, using frequency, simply percentages and incidence pattern 
analysis. 
 
Results 
A.  Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents    
 Table 1 shows the results of demographic characteristics oflocal rice producers. The 
first itemindicated that56%of the respondents weremales, while only 44% were 
females.Amongst theseproducers, 29% were41 to 50 years old, 26% were 51 to 60 years, 
while 25% were 21 to 30 years.But a small portion of11% were youths between age 21to 30 
years, while very few- 9%,from 61 years and above were older people. Besides, a large 62% 
of producers were married, while 21% were unmarried, others such as widows or widowers 
were 11%, and divorcees were 6%.For educational qualification, 29% were mostly primary 
and secondary school certificate holders, followed by 27% who were higher diploma 
certificate orfirst-degree holders, as well as 25% who were national diploma or national 
certificate holders. More so, few 19% were either masters or doctorate degree holders. In 
terms of religious affiliation, majority 85% wereChristians, while very few,11% represented 
Muslims, and just 4% were indigenous worshipers.  
 
Table 1: Distribution of Respondents based on Demographic Characteristic 
S/n  Variable  Frequency Percentage (%) 
1  Sex 

Male 
Female 

 
204 
161 

 
56 
44 

2 Age   
 21-30 41 11.0 
 31-40 90 25.0 
 41-50 107 29.0 
 51-60 95 26.0 
 61 and above 32 9.00 
3 Marital status   
 Married  226 62.0 
 Single 78 21.0 
 Divorced 20 6.00 

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 Widow/widower 41 11.0 
4 Highest Level of Education    
 FSLC/SSC 108 29.0 
 OND/NCE 90 25.0 
 HND/B.Sc. 99 27.0 
 MSc/Ph.D. 68 19.0 
5 Religion   
 Christianity 312 85.0 
 Islam 39 11.0 
 Traditional 14 4.00  
 Field survey, 2021 
B. Embargo on importation of foreign riceand underling likelihood for Rice Quality 

improvement, and levels of quality improvement. 
 
Table 2 shows the likelihood for local rice quality to improve as wellas the level of quality 
improvement in Cross River State due to ban on foreign rice importation. Item one revealed 
majority ofrespondents75% acquired better skills inrice production through trainings by 
Government and other agricultural agencies.Similarly, 71% affirmed that quality has 
improved since government had deployed modern technologies such as modern parboiling 
system in rice processing. This means that the border closure propelled government to 
support producers with new processing technologies.This buttresses IDI response that 
affirmed that; 

 
‘During this border closure period, ‘CrossRice’ had deployed modern 
processing technologies like processing equipment, and   Government 
has trained many us toapply new techniques of rice cultivation, and 
modern parboiling system. This awareness is actually improving our 
rice quality in area taste, stone elimination, and grain strength’.  
IDI/RIFAN/2021 

 
As per level of quality improvement of local rice, most of the respondents 61% 
acknowledged that rice quality level had improved to some extent, sincethe qualitywas no 
longer poorer as it used to be. While only 39% acknowledged the quality level as being lower 
probably because they used manual processing methods. Also, mostof respondents 59% 
recognized that the level of quality improvement of local rice was not high compared to 
foreign rice with flawless qualities, while few 41% accepted the quality level was high. This 
implies that local rice quality was improving.But few respondents 25% affirmed the quality 
of rice improvement was not moderate but majority 75% accepted that the rice quality level 
was moderate and may increase further. These findings corroborate with IDI responses; 

 
The quality improvement level is moderate because some of us still use 
manual processing techniques, that is why some of this rice still 
containsparticles, and sometimes tiny stones. But big companies have 
good machines as such why their brand don’t have sand. if the govt still 
keep border closed, then in future our rice will continue to improve in 
quality like Thailand rice. IDI/RIFAN/2021 

  

 

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Table 2: Distribution of Respondentsbased on Foreign rice importation embargo and its 
underling likelihood for Local Rice Quality improvement, and levels of quality 
improvement 

Item  Statements SD D A SA RQIIP
%  

1 I have acquired better skills in rice 
production through government and 
Agric. Agencies since foreign rice 
importation embargo commenced in 
2019. 
 

5.00 
(20) 

20.0 
(71) 

38.0 
(140) 

37.0 
(134) 
 

75.0 

2 Govt has deployedmodern technologies 
in rice production and processing. 

9.00 
(33) 

20.0 
(75) 

35.0 
(126) 

36.0 
(131) 

71.0 

3 Quality improvement level is still low 
since some rice are processed manually 

28.0 
(103) 

33.0 
(120) 

22.0 
(80) 

17.0 
(62) 

61.0 

4 Local rice quality improvement level is 
highas it’sprogressing towards foreign 
grade. 

29.0 
(104) 

30.0 
(109) 

19.0 
(70) 

22.0 
(82) 

59.0 

5 Level of quality improvement is 
moderate, since particle contents 
arereduced. 

14.0 
(51) 
 

11.0 
(40) 

36.0 
(131) 

39.0 
(143) 

75.0  

Note: N-365 respondents, RQIIP%:Rice QualityImprovement Incidence Pattern Percentage, 
SD:Strongly Disagree, D: Disagree, A: Agree, SA: Strong Agree. 
 
C.Analysis ofdimensions ofRice Quality Improvement and aspects of rice 
improvedquality. 

Table 3 shows some dimensionsand certain aspects ofwhich localrice quality 
improved.On the first item, most of the respondents 69% acknowledged certified seeds and 
improved seedlings that yield better quality, more vitamins, and nutritious rice were 
introduced and used in rice cultivation after border closure.Also, majority 71% believed the 
embargo had pushed some investors to establish newly improved rice mills and processing 
outfits which used modern milling technologies to process rice. Furthermore, majority 86% 
confirmed the embargo on foreign rice importation had compelled private individuals to 
introduced improved processing techniques like parboiling machines that improve rice 
varieties such as long grain. Moreover, only 32% accepted the rice contained stones while 
majority of the respondents 62% confirmed that the quality oflocal rice had improved sinceit 
is free from stones and dirt particles. Though few farmers (33%) believed local rice was still 
gummy and wetly, but the others(67%)declared that with the current improved rice varieties 
and existing sophisticated processing techniques utilized, quality has improved.  

Again, most respondents (66%)acknowledge their skills and competence on rice 
production have been developed because of various workshops and trainings they attended. 
More so, very few32% disagreed that local rice is no longer generating odour. 
In like manner, only 40% disagreedthat some local rice was very easy to cook which 
indicated that majority accepted the rice is very easy to cook.Another aspect of which rice 
quality had improved is in the area of grain texture.  Few people 36% still believed local rice 
grain was weak. This is probably, because they are still using manual method of processing 
rice However, 64% who had constantly used local rice indicated that some rice grains were 
stronger now.Again, majority 63% accepted that somelocally producedrice wasfortified with 
vitamins and mineral contents just like foreign rice. Regarding the quality of the rice taste, 
only a few 25% accepted local rice was still tasteless, however, majority 75% confirmed that 
some brand of `local rice havegoodtaste just like foreign rice. The good taste is due to the 

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used of modern technologies which eventually enhance quality. All these corroborate with 
IDI’s affirmation that; 
 

During cultivation, we select certified seeds and improved seedings of rice varieties 
such as FAROs like SIPI (Faro 44), WITA4 (Faro 52), L-34 (Faro 61), TOX4004 (Faro 
60)) etc. the good thing is that, all these varieties have short maturity yielding 
period of between 30 days to 130days maximum. They possess good quality, 
contain more vitamins, IDI/ CR- FACE/ 2021 

This was further reported in another IDI that, 
 

The way we now process paddy has really improved our rice quality. Today we are 
using modern threshing machines and husker that remove husk softly without 
breaking the grains.  We used destoning machines that select the stone. still, we 
used polishing and rice coloursorter, we use modern parboiling dryer to dry paddy 
we adopt modern boiling system, moisture content meter, etc. which help to 
improve quality. IDI/POFON/2021 

 
 

Table 3: Distribution of Respondents based on dimensionsfor Rice Quality improvement  
S/n Statements  SD D A SA RQIIP% 

and RROP 
1 Since embargo on foreign rice,certified 

seeds and seedlings of improved rice 
varieties are adopted for cultivation. 

10.0 
(36) 

21.0 
(78)  

36.0 
(131) 

33.0 
(120) 

b69.03rd 

2 There has been an increase in new milling 
/processing outfits that apply modern 
milling equipment in the sector.  

17.0 
(64) 

12.0 
(42) 

35.0 
(129)  

36.0  
(130) 

a71.02nd 

3  The sector is now using modern processing 
techniques to process rice 

8.00 
(30) 

6.0 
(21) 

54.0 
(198) 

32.0  
(116) 

a86.0st 

4 Local rice is still filled with stones and husk   29.0 
(104) 

33.0 
(120) 

23.0 
(85) 

15.0  
(56) 

c38.06th 

5 The rice is still sticky and wetly as usual 37.0 
(134) 

30.0 
(110) 

14.0 
(51) 

19.0  
(70) 

c33.09th 

6 Because of training, and workshop 
attended, am well knowledgeable and 
skillful on rice production process 

28.0 
(101) 

38.0 
(137) 

16.0 
(60) 

18.0 
(67) 

b66.08th  

7 Local rice still generates strong offensive 
odour, soured while boiling 

33.0 
(121) 

35.0 
(128) 

15.0 
(54) 

17.0 
(62) 

c32.010th 

8 The rice is now very easy to cook since it 
does not involve the rigors experience of 
sifting  

22.0 
(79) 

18.0 
(66) 

33.0 
(120) 

27.0 
(100) 

b60.05th  

9 The grain texture is still weak and usually 
result to breakages  

30.0 
(110) 

34.0 
(123) 

20.0 
(75) 

16.0 
(57) 

c36.07th  

10 Local rice is fortified with vitamins and 
minerals just like foreign Thailand rice  

25.0 
(91) 

12.0 
(45) 

27.0 
(99) 

36.0 
(130) 

b63.04th  

11 Local rice is still tasteless unlike foreign 
rice  

41.0 
(148) 

34.0 
(125) 

14.0 
(52) 

11.0 
(40) 

d25.011th  

Note: N-365 respondents, RQIIP% - Rice Quality Improvement Incidence Pattern 
Percentage, RROP- Relative Rank Order Positioning, SD -Strongly Disagree, D- Disagree, A 
- Agree, SA - Strong Agree 
 

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D.  Incidence pattern analysis indicating centraldimensions influencing Rice Quality 
improvement,and underling implications 
 

Table 4 adopted incidence pattern analysis to identify the central factors that 
contributed to rice quality improvement in Cross River State. Category‘a’ ranging 70% – 
100%indicatedthe used of modern technologies and equipment in rice productionas 
keydimensions for local rice quality improvement.This was followed by categoryb, 
indicating60%– 70% contributory influence for rice quality improvementoncapacity building 
of farmers and processors, and the introduced new seeds and seedlings of improved verities 
during cultivation. Category c indicated the outcome of rice quality improvement with 30-
50% acceptance for local rice.Another emerging outcome is indicated on category d, which 
revealed 20- 30%recognition for local rice nutritious content, vitamins and minerals 
endowments.  
 
Table 4: Showing Incidence pattern percentage analysis ofthe centraldimensions of rice 
quality improvements and underlying implications in Cross River State. 
 
RQIIP 
% 
category 

RQIIP% 
range 

 Rice Quality 
improvement 
Item 
frequency 

Percentage 
composition 

RQIIP%-underlying implications 

     
A 70 – 100 2 18.2 Applications of modern and 

improved milling and processing 
equipmentand newtechnologies. 
 

B 60 – 70 4 36.4  Capacity building/ training of 
producers and used certified seeds 
and improved seedlings of rice 
varieties during cultivation period. 

C 40 – 50 4 36.4 Strong consumers’ positive 
preferences and usages 

D 20 – 30 1 9.00 Nutritional enhancement for 
consumers 

Total 100 % 11 100%  
 

Field Survey 2021 
 
Discussion of the Findings 
 Certainly, Cross River State has totally embraced the Federal Government ‘Agricultural 
Transformation Agenda’ on rice production. Most of the rice producersin the State are 
married, comprised, theyouths, middleage, andthe older people, who are predominantly into 
rice production occupation on full-time basis. As noticed fromstudy,the sub sector does not 
discriminate based on educational qualification, havingabsorbed manypeople that cut across 
all levels of educational certificates, particularly the primary and secondary school holders, 
and ordinary national diploma holders who are ignored by some corporations. In fact, closure 
of border against foreign rice importation has helped to improve the quality of local rice in 
Cross River state.Clearly, the central force that led to quality improvement was the 
government’s intervention in developing producers’ skills on rice production through 
constant training, and provision of modern rice technologies. It is actually the application of 
these new skills and modern technologies in rice cultivation, processing, and milling process 

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that eventually resulted to improved rice quality. For instance, the existing ‘Rice Seedling 
Factory in the State’ has facilitated the used of new technologies of certified seeds, seedlings 
of improved rice varieties during cultivation, hashelped to yield improved rice grain, 
morevitamins and nutritious rice. Also, the used of modern parboiling technologies 
e.g.parboiling dryer, moisture content detector, has helped to controlled paddy moisture 
thereby eliminating offensive odour, improved taste, and strong grain texture (Okonkwo, et 
al, 2021). 

All these were possible due to the Government’s efforts in collaboration with some 
Agricultural Agencies such as,Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and International 
Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). As matter of fact, ‘CrossRice’ Agricultural 
Development Project promoted by the State Government, Rice Company Management Board 
and Central Bank of Nigeria, has really trained farmers,processors, and millers who regularly 
appliedtheir skills and available technologies on rice production flow that in turn generated 
improve quality rice. 
As per rice quality level, findings revealed that the quality improvement level for local rice is 
moderate.Oyewole, et al, (2019), in a survey has affirmed that the current embargo on foreign 
rice importation has improved rice quality, though such quality may not match with foreign 
rice premium quality.  In truth, at ‘moderate level’, it means the quality of the present local 
rice in Cross River State is better than the same local rice existed inprevious years. Though 
the improvement is not at the level of foreign rice quality, local rice qualityis progressing as 
the sector is still undergoing transformation.  

Interestingly, it is noticeable that some local rice brand partlycontained dirt, this is 
actually due to categories of the producers and their processing capacity. As indicated in a 
report by Price Waterhouse Coopers – PWC (2018), 80% of rice production segment are 
made up of the small-scale producers, of which greater number of them were still 
usingmanual processing methods that tend to causepresence of stones, husk and extraneous 
materials. It is this kind of produce that propelled some consumers to still doubt local rice 
quality. Notwithstanding, the report totally affirmed that the remaining 20% who are large 
scale producers already have modern equipment thatprocessed or milled clean rice with 
strong grains that arefree from dirt and stones. 

Government intervention through provision of modern rice equipment, as well as 
establishing milling outfits has helped to improve local rice quality. As indicated by 
Omobolaji, (2020), the application of adequate equipment in rice production, mostly 
processing,determinedthe state of local rice quality improvement.Actually, the central driving 
force that led to rice quality improvement in cross River State was the application of 
necessary rice equipment and its technologies such as, modern parboiling system that 
moderately boiled paddy for the shell to open without excessively absorbing water. By doing 
this, moisture content meter is often used to measure moisture content of the grain to guide 
against rice breakages, souring, anddiscolouring. And also,the used of moderndrying 
electricity machines to dry the paddy has reduced moisture content. 

Since milling of rice transforms the paddy into white rice that consumers eat, clearly 
the use of milling machines such as destoning machines has helped to pre-clean the rice and 
select stones or sand. This process improved rice quality by eliminating stonesand dirt. The 
husker removes shell and other particles that eventually generate brown rice,polishing 
machines removethe brown bran to get the white surface, colour sorting machines further 
improved rice colour, cleanliness and appearance.Othermachines such as bag closing 
machines that packaged the bag to avoid easy penetration of dirt, and digital weighing scales 
that determined appropriatemeasurement (in kg) per bag are very beneficial. In fact, the 
establishment of ‘Rice Milling Factory’ at Ogoja by Cross River State Government has 
helped to improve rice quality since some paddy are either processed directly in the plant by 

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the small - scale farmers or indirectly processed through CrossRice paddy off- takers who 
earlier evacuated paddy from small scale farmers. 

Positively, the siting of milling plants as well as, provision and used of equipment 
have essentially helped to improve local rice quality by enriching rice taste, eliminating  
stones, odour, gummy possibility, enriching rice with mineral and vitamins  nutrients, 
increasing  rice grain strength with preferable sizes, improving swelling capacity, appearance, 
and ease of  preparation by consumers 
 
Conclusion and Recommendations 

Embargo on importation of foreign rice through land border has led to improvement 
in the quality of the present Nigerian local rice. This has been possible following government 
interventions that supported the rice production sub- sector through capacity building for 
producers, as well as providing new rice production technologies and modern processing 
equipment. In addition,private business individual’s investment through establishing modern 
rice processing outfits with modern technologies and equipment has helped to improve rice 
quality 
But the level of quality improvement is moderate, since it is not as high like that of the 
foreign rice quality. Nevertheless, the local rice quality is better than the same local rice 
quality in the past years before border closure policy on August, 2019. 
 Clearly, the central dimensions that determined local rice quality improvement, are mostly 
Government Intervention strategies, and partly business individuals’ investment in rice 
production sub-sector With these interventions, Nigerian local rice now maintains good 
colour with clean appearance, stones, sand and debris free, good taste, strong grain texture 
with long, medium or short size, enriched with vitamins and mineral nutrients, and free from 
offensive odour and gummy possibility. In fact, local riceis easily wash and cookwithout 
stress of sifting.  The outcome of this improvement showed thatsome consumers in Cross 
River have currently restored their preference for local rice, havingrecognizedlocal rice for 
possessing nutritional nutrients in term of vitamins and minerals. 
Therefore, embargo on importation of foreign ricethrough land border should be sustained. 
Furthermore, the government should intervene by establishing rice processing and milling 
plants in rice producing areas to enable small - scale farmers process and mill their rice. 
 
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