Asaba – Mr Vincent Mordi, a rice farmer in Delta, has called on government at all levels to assist rice farmers to purchase processing machines in order to boost rice production in the country.
Mordi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Asaba, that supporting rice farmers with adequate processing machines would go a long way in boosting rice production.
According to him, the government support will encourage more farmers to engage in rice production.
He explained that one of the major challenges facing rice farmers in Nigeria was inadequate processing facilities, adding that standard rice processing machines are very expensive.
“Another challenge we have is lack of fund, we find it very difficult to access government grants.
He advised the Federal Government to put necessary machinery in place to enable rice farmers meet the demands of the people before placing ban on rice importation.
“Rice is an essential commodity in the country and there is no home that does not feed on rice on a regular basis.
“The government should put in place adequate facilities and an enabling environment that will spur production of rice in the country.
“One of such measure is to ensure that government support rice farmers with processing machines and this will ensure good quality rice.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560″]
He explained that rice farmers in the country had the capacity to produce enough rice that could serve the entire nation.
According to him, if the government can spend 50 per cent of money being expended on rice importation annually on rice farming and processing, Nigeria will be self sufficient in rice production. (NAN)
