The?importation of rice has “seriously'' undermined local production of the commodity, says the Sokoto State Commissioner for?Agriculture,?Dr Jabbi Kilgori.
Kilgori, who?made the statement during a visit to the?District Head of?Goronyo, Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo, noted that? Nigeria spent billions of naira on the importation of the staple food.
Goronyo, the host community of the multi-billion naira Goronyo Dam,?is one of the largest rice producing areas in the?country.
” We are importing rice?from?India and Thailand, thereby developing their economies, while we are killing ours.
” The earlier this obnoxious situation is redressed the better for all of us.''
He commended the Federal Government on its recent?imposition?of a 50 per cent duty on?imported rice, adding that the?move would?enhance local production of the commodity.
He said the?state government would?assist rice?farmers with?subsidised?fertilisers, farm inputs and implements.
” Food security is next to nothing and we are determined to ensure that?all year round,” the Commissioner said.
The District Head, in his response, commended the?Federal and Sokoto State Governments over?plan to?establish rice processing mills in the state.
He urged?the three tiers of government to further?assist? farmers with soft loans and?agricultural inputs to produce more food for local consumption and export. (NAN)