WADA POISED TO SUSTAIN RICE PRODUCTION PROGRAMME. Kogi state government has poised to sustain the current efforts in rice production through the accelerated rice production programme and state Agricultural Transformation agenda to boost food security in the state. At least no fewer than 1500 Rice farmers who have actively participated in the State Accelerated Rice Production programme have been presented cheques as part of their share and fulfilment of the state government promises at the beginning of the Agriculture transformation programme in December last year. The state governor, Captain Idris Wada who disclosed this while speaking at the presentation of Cheques and Sharing of 60-40 percent ratio harvest under the Kogi state accelerated Rice production programme which harvested over 2000 metric tons of rice at weekend in Lokoja, stated that government will not short change the efforts of the farmers. Wada explained that Kogi state accelerated Rice Production programme started on December 15th, 2012 when plots of land were allocated to the farmers by the state government , stressing that the government is very happy to witness the practical results of the agricultural revolution in the state, He stated that agriculture has been priority of objective of his administration, He added that it is a very conscious decision to promote agriculture in view of potentials of Agriculture for job creation, wealth creation, food security and sources of raw materials for Agro –Allied industries. He however assured the farmers that what ever the government realises will plough back on Agriculture and government is only buying 40 percent of the rice grown by the farmers, noting that the cheques being presented is for the rice planted by them. The governor pointed out that with Kogi state experience in Rice production in last six months has shown that Nigerians can grow more rice to feed the nation and also for export in no distance future. Wada added that the state government is not unaware of the challenges faced by the farmers, assuring the farmers that drastic measures have been put in place to tackle various challenges and called on the farmers to vigilance group to see the farms as their own and protect them form the thieves . Earlier in his address, the Managing Director of Kogi state Agricultural Development Project ADP, Dr-Ameh Onoja who anchored the Accelerated Rice Production Programme has called on the state governor to sustain the programme to encourage the farmers. He pointed out that the essence of the programme is not only to enhance rice production, but also to create wealth,employme nt and improved standard of living of farmers. In pursuance of this, the state government has cleared 3000 hectares of farmland, provided seeds, fertilizers, agro chemicals and irrigation facilities free of charge. The state commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr.Abolarin said the programme has come to state , calling on the doubting Thomas out there to join hand with the present administration to sustain the Agricultural transformation of the state.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 06:17:27 +0000