L
LequteMan
Guest
Mr Olusegun Atho, the Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), South-West zone, on Wednesday in Lagos has advised government to put in place proactive measures to meet the country’s rice demand before banning imported rice.
“I don’t see any reality in this 2014 deadline. Not until when necessary machinery is put in place should government ban imported rice.
“Government should equip farmers with the necessary tools, including tractors, organic fertilisers and give adequate training to farmers.''
The RIFAN chairman also advised the government to provide adequate funding by way of grants or loans to farmers.
“These factors are very important and must be put into consideration, before the proposed ban.
“If these things are not in place, the ban cannot be realistic. Until when government begins to do something about it, that is when we can see the seriousness.''
He identified smuggling as the major factor that would hinder any ban on the imported commodity, just as it had adverse effect on local rice production.
Atho also appealed to government to construct more dams and provide mini-pumping machines for farmers to prepare them for irrigation farming as well as introduce modern rice production technology.
“If government can provide all these to farmers, that is when government can boast of self-sustainability.''
“I don’t see any reality in this 2014 deadline. Not until when necessary machinery is put in place should government ban imported rice.
“Government should equip farmers with the necessary tools, including tractors, organic fertilisers and give adequate training to farmers.''
The RIFAN chairman also advised the government to provide adequate funding by way of grants or loans to farmers.
“These factors are very important and must be put into consideration, before the proposed ban.
“If these things are not in place, the ban cannot be realistic. Until when government begins to do something about it, that is when we can see the seriousness.''
He identified smuggling as the major factor that would hinder any ban on the imported commodity, just as it had adverse effect on local rice production.
Atho also appealed to government to construct more dams and provide mini-pumping machines for farmers to prepare them for irrigation farming as well as introduce modern rice production technology.
“If government can provide all these to farmers, that is when government can boast of self-sustainability.''
