From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna.
The Niger State branch of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has commended the state government for its various interventions and support received by the farmers in the state.
The State Chairman of RIFAN, Alhaji Idris Adamu Abini made the commendation in his office yesterday in Minna while speaking with our reporter, saying that the immediate past chairman, Alhaji Mahmoud El-Mahdys cannot speak on behalf of the association in Niger state.
Abini further said that “we are pleased with the various initiatives by the state government in the area of rice production, which include partnership with International organizations like Fadama 111AF, KOICA, CARI and NAMDA” he said.
He expressed satisfaction over the gesture from the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello who came to the aid of the flood victims in the state especially his members who were affected as the succor will go a long way in returning them to farm consistently.
The chairman maintained that “that current state headquarters of RIFAN was secured, refurbished and furnished through the intervention of the present administration in the state” he added.
He reiterated that the current efforts by the state government towards expanding the Rice Value Chain was commendable hence would enable the state taking its rightful position of the largest rice production in Nigeria but needed to do more in that direction.
He further disclosed that about 30,000 farmers were currently registered in the state however decried that the Federal, State and Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has been doing its best in the provision of various interventions but regretted that the farmers should difficult to pay back loan which has become a serious challenge.
He urge governments and relevant bodies to sustain their support to farmers.
