The Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Cross River Chapter, Mr. Oliver Ntui has come out to say that the Federal Government rice intervention initiative saved Nigeria during the coronavirus lockdown.
He revealed this during a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.
According to him, access to local rice produce was what sustained Nigerians during the lockdown and rice farmers were pleased with FG since there would have been hunger in the nation without the agricultural interventions.
He added that Cross River is gradually becoming a hub and tourist attraction for rice production because of its magnificent rice seedling factory which produces seedlings not only for farmers in the state but to other parts of the nation.
His words, “Everywhere was locked down without movement and importation but the local rice production sustained the economy and I want to say thank you to the President.
“Through the RIFAN, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Anchor Borrowers Scheme 2020 rice farmers in the state received inputs like organic fertilisers, agro chemicals, knapsack sprayers and pumping machines which boosted rice production geometrically.”
“Cross River is gradually becoming a hub and tourist attraction for rice production because of the magnificent rice seedling factory which produces seedlings not only for farmers in the state but to other parts of the nation.
“There is also the ongoing construction of a gigantic ultra-modern rice mill in Ogoja and the training of rice farmers in the state to increase their productivity.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate