Rice Production

Modern rice production and processing for the Nigerian domestic market, contributing to food security.

Overview

AADC's rice production operation addresses Nigeria's significant rice deficit through modern, efficient production and processing systems. Our integrated approach encompasses the entire value chain from seed to market, ensuring consistent quality and contributing to national food security.

With both wet season (rainfed) and dry season (irrigated) production capabilities, we achieve two harvests annually, maximizing land utilization and providing year-round supply to the domestic market. Our modern milling facilities produce premium quality rice that meets the highest standards of the Nigerian consumer market.

Comparative Advantages

Ideal Climate

Optimal temperature range of 20-35°C and distinct wet/dry seasons create perfect growing conditions for high-yielding rice production.

Water Resources

Reliable water supply from the River Benue with regulated flow from Lagdo Dam ensures consistent irrigation throughout the year.

Soil Quality

Alluvial soils with excellent water-holding capacity create ideal growing conditions for rice cultivation.

Market Demand

Strong and growing domestic demand with a 3-4 million metric ton deficit, supported by import substitution policies.

Production System

Land Allocation and Development

Our rice production utilizes 1000 hectares of prime agricultural land, organized into 40 blocks of 25 hectares each for efficient management. The land is carefully prepared with:

  • Laser-guided land leveling with ±2cm tolerance
  • Bund construction for water control
  • Development of irrigation and drainage networks
  • Flood protection dykes (1.5m height, 3m width)

Seasonal Production Strategy

We implement a dual-season production approach:

  • Wet Season (Rainfed): June-November
  • Dry Season (Irrigated): November-April
  • Annual production from 800 equivalent hectares

Variety Selection

We cultivate carefully selected varieties to meet market requirements:

  • Wet Season: FARO 44, FARO 52, FARO 60 (flood-tolerant)
  • Dry Season: FARO 61, FARO 67, FARO 68 (high-yielding)
  • Specialty: Aromatic varieties for premium market

Water Management

Our advanced water management system optimizes resource use:

  • Basin irrigation with controlled inlets and outlets
  • Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) to save 30% water
  • Precise water application at critical growth stages
  • Comprehensive drainage system for wet season production

Crop Management

Nutrient Management

Our balanced fertilization program ensures optimal plant nutrition:

  • Nitrogen: 100-120 kg N/ha (split application)
  • Phosphorus: 60-80 kg P₂O₅/ha (basal application)
  • Potassium: 60-80 kg K₂O/ha (split application)
  • Micronutrients: Zinc and iron based on soil tests
  • Organic integration with livestock manure

Integrated Pest Management

Our comprehensive IPM system minimizes chemical inputs:

  • Regular scouting and monitoring
  • Economic threshold-based interventions
  • Resistant varieties as first line of defense
  • Cultural practices to reduce disease pressure
  • Targeted interventions when necessary

Weed Management

Our integrated weed management focuses on the critical period:

  • Pre-emergence herbicides after planting
  • Water management to suppress weeds
  • Mechanical weeding in row-seeded rice
  • Hand weeding for spot treatment

Establishment Methods

We utilize modern establishment techniques:

  • Direct seeding using mechanical seed drills
  • Wet seeding in prepared puddled soil
  • Dry seeding followed by irrigation
  • Optimal plant population: 200-250 plants/m²

Harvesting and Processing

Harvesting Operations

Our precision harvesting system maximizes quality and minimizes losses:

  • Harvest at optimal maturity (80-85% grains turned golden yellow)
  • Mechanized harvesting with specialized rice combine harvesters
  • Careful timing to optimize milling recovery
  • Immediate transport to processing facility

Drying and Storage

Our modern facilities ensure optimal quality preservation:

  • Mechanical batch dryers (30-50 tons/day)
  • Controlled drying rate (maximum 1% moisture reduction per hour)
  • Target moisture content: 12-14%
  • Modern silos with temperature and humidity control
  • Storage capacity: 5,000-10,000 tons

Milling and Processing

Our state-of-the-art milling facility produces premium quality rice:

  • Modern rice mill with capacity of 5-10 tons/hour
  • Complete line including pre-cleaners, huskers, whiteners, and color sorters
  • Milling recovery: 65-70% (head rice + broken)
  • Head rice yield: 55-65%
  • Parboiling facility for specialty products

Value Addition

Our value-addition capabilities enhance product value:

  • Fortified rice with added micronutrients
  • Rice flour production
  • Rice-based snack foods
  • By-product utilization (bran, husk, broken rice)

Market Access and Distribution

Target Customer Segments

Our marketing strategy targets multiple segments:

  • Retail Consumers: Urban middle and upper class (premium brand)
  • Institutional Buyers: Hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals
  • Government Programs: Strategic grain reserve, school feeding
  • Wholesale: Urban markets and distributors

Packaging and Branding

Our comprehensive packaging strategy meets market needs:

  • Multiple packaging sizes (5kg, 10kg, 25kg, 50kg)
  • Premium brand with distinctive packaging
  • Standard brand for mass market
  • Value brand for price-sensitive segment

Distribution Network

Our efficient distribution system ensures market coverage:

  • On-site storage for milled rice: 2,000-3,000 tons
  • Regional distribution centers in key markets
  • Fleet of 10-15 trucks (20-30 ton capacity)
  • Regional distributors with own transport

Sales and Marketing Strategy

Our comprehensive marketing approach ensures market penetration:

  • Direct sales to key accounts
  • Distributor network for wider coverage
  • Modern retail channels (supermarkets)
  • Brand building through advertising and promotion

Integration with Other Value Chains

Our rice production is fully integrated with other agricultural operations, creating synergies and efficiencies:

Crop Rotation

Rotation with sesame and soybeans breaks pest cycles, improves soil structure, and diversifies income streams.

Livestock Integration

Rice straw serves as roughage for cattle, while rice bran and broken rice are valuable feed ingredients.

By-product Utilization

Rice husks are used as biomass fuel for parboiling and drying, while rice bran is processed for oil extraction.

Shared Infrastructure

Irrigation systems, machinery, and logistics infrastructure are shared across multiple crop operations, maximizing capital efficiency.

Financial Highlights

Production Metrics

  • Wet Season Yield: 4-5 tons/ha (paddy)
  • Dry Season Yield: 5-7 tons/ha (paddy)
  • Annual Production: 3,600-4,800 tons (milled rice)
  • Premium grade output: 60-65% of production
  • Standard grade output: 25-30% of production
  • Value grade output: 5-10% of production

Financial Performance

  • Average Selling Price: $700-900 per ton of milled rice
  • Annual Revenue: $2.5-4.3 million
  • By-Product Revenue: $200,000-300,000 annually
  • Gross Margin: 30-40%
  • ROI: 15-20% annually after full establishment
  • Payback Period: 4-5 years

Sustainability Considerations

Environmental Sustainability

  • Water conservation through AWD technique
  • Methane emission reduction through water management
  • Rice husk biomass for energy generation
  • Reduced burning of rice straw

Economic Sustainability

  • Multiple product lines for different markets
  • Value-added processing
  • By-product utilization
  • Integration with other value chains

Social Sustainability

  • 200-250 direct jobs created
  • 400-500 indirect jobs
  • Contribution to national food security
  • Skills development and capacity building

Interested in Learning More?

Discover how our rice production represents a premium agricultural investment opportunity with strong returns and positive impact.

Investment Opportunities Contact Our Team