COTONOU, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Rice farmers in Benin on Tuesday urged the government to take action for promoting marketing of locally grown rice in the country.
In a public statement in Cotonou, they called on the government to promote "Made in Benin" rice by making the consumption of locally produced rice compulsory in school and university canteens as well as in reception, welfare and penitentiary centers.
"A real development of rice sector has become a strategic segment of the fight against food and nutrition insecurity, Benin's government should take into account locally grown rice", rice farmer Mathurin Iwikotan said.
He added that this will be achieved "through strong and legitimate acts especially a decree of ministerial orders to impose a ratio of locally grown rice to importers".
According to the strategic plan to revive agricultural sector in Benin, the nation's rice production of 72,960 tonnes is much below the consumption needs in the country.
The documents indicate that Benin sees massive importations of between 70,000 and 380,000 tonnes of rice, depending on the year.
This is partially used to meet the domestic demands and re-exported towards neighboring countries.
