To grow the local market, the Federal Government will stop rice importation next year, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Adebisi Buhari, has said.
To this end, the government, he said, was facilitating massive cultivation of rice.
The government, he said, would also stop the importation of other products that can be produced locally, adding that he is optimistic that the objective would be realised.
Buhari said the government would work with communities and private firms to boost production in the country, adding that the government would encourage private sector involvement in the development of the agriculture sector, particularly rice production.
Stressing that food importation was affecting the nation, Buhari said the government was collaborating with Pategi and Share communities in Kwara State to establish high capacity rice mills to boost production.
He said the government had provided platforms for farmers to access loans and other incentives to improve crop production in the country.
Buhari urged Nigerians to key into the transformation of the sector to because agriculture is a veritable business to boost the economy.
The government, he said, would provide a level playing ground for prospective farmers to invest in the sector, to ensure its sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Rice Research in Birnin Kebbi State, will produce 1.8 tonnes of rice this year.
Its Head, Mr Phillips Ibrahim, told the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, that the institute had prepared 50 hectares of farmland in four different parts of the state for large-scale rice production.
He said: “The target is to produce 1.8 tonnes of the commodity this year”.
Four of the centres,he said were in Yauri local government area for rice farming and two in Zuru local government area for soya beans production.
While commending the state government for supporting the centres, Ibrahim requested for vehicles to improve monitoring and expansion of the scheme as well as accommodation for staff.
The institute, he said, would support farmers in the area of on modern farming techniques for high yield.
Responding, the deputy governor said the state would collaborate with the institute for commercial rice production, using modern techniques.
Aliyu said the support would boost the quest for food security and economic benefits to farmers.
