RIFAN-KBSG:RIFAN TO BOOST IMPROVE RICE SEEDS WITH 400 HECTARES………………….
By:Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Kebbi State Chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria RIFAN, is to cultivate 400 hectres of land for improved rice seeds to boost production in the state.
Alhaji Bello Barade, the state Chairman of the association, who stated this when he led members on a courtesy visit to the state governor, said the 400 hectars in Bagudo Local Government Area for the project would cost N70 million for distribution to farmers.
According to him, Kebbi State is famous in rice and wheat production in Nigeria but farmers are now using rice -for – food as seeds which motivated the association to start the cultivation of the improved seeds.
He appealed to the governor for intervention and support to upset the cost in oder to boost rice production in the state.
Responding, Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, said his administration has placed top priority on agriculture and will explore all ways to help farmers to boost production in the state.
“Now that the subsidy has been removed, the only alternative is to embrace agriculture and government will assist wherever necessary, that is why I am assisting with N70 million for the purchase of improved seeds to sustain the cultivation of both crops.”
The Governor thanked the members of the association for their support towards ensuring his victory and their support to the incumbent government.