The government of Benin and the European Union will launch an aid program of more than 8 million U. S.
dollars to promote rice production in the West African country, local media reported on Tuesday.
The aid of 5.42 million euros (8.13 million dollars) is part of the 10th European Funds for Development to Benin.
The project known as PAFIRIZ has the objective of improving quality of local rice, making it capable of competing with the imported rice,
broadening production links, as well as the transformation and commercialization of the industry, according to a communique carried by
media.
Under the program, approximately 1,500 hectares of land will be put to use for rice production. With an initial target of a yearly output of 5,000 tons, both sides expect the production to expand to an annual revenue of 3
million euros (4.5 million dollars).
The project eyes the commercialization of 3,000 tons of quality white rice every year to reduce about 6 percent of rice imports.
Over a period of six months, the PAFIRZ project will first be established in the southern region, especially the zones close to the big
urban markets. Priority will be given to Mono, Couffo, Atlantic and Oueme districts, which boast 51,000 hectares of unexploited land suitable for
rice production. The project may extend to the northern districts of Atacora and Donga, according to the communique.