The Chairman, Rice
Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), South-West zone, Mr Olusegun Atho, has advised government to put in place proactive measures to meet the country’s rice demand before banning imported rice.
The Federal Government recently announced the plan to ban rice importation by 2014, in order to develop local production of the commodity.
Atho told our correspondent in Lagos that government needed to provide incentives to farmers to become self-sufficient in rice production.
“I don’t see any reality in this 2014 deadline. Not until when necessary machinery is put in place should government ban imported rice, stressing that “Government should equip farmers with the necessary tools, including tractors, organic fertilisers and give adequate training to farmers.”
The RIFAN chairman also advised the government to provide adequate funding by way of grants or loans to farmers, stressing that “these factors are very important and must be put into consideration, before the proposed ban.
“If these things are not in place, the ban cannot be realistic. Until when government begins to do something about it, that is when we can see the seriousness.”
He identified smuggling as the major factor that would hinder any ban on the imported commodity, just as it had adverse effect on local rice production.
“Government needs to come out and deal with the issue of smuggling, in order to encourage local growers.”
Atho also appealed to government to construct more dams and provide mini-pumping machines for farmers to prepare them for irrigation farming as well as introduce modern rice production technology.
“If government can provide all these to farmers, that is when government can boast of self-sustainability.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that local rice farmers would be given incentives for increased rice production.
Dr Kayode Oyeleye, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said that the gesture was to make the prices of locally produced rice competitive to the imported variety.
Oyeleye said that the tariff on imported rice remained high because the Federal Government was encouraging the consumption of locally produced one.
The special assistant also said that this would also strengthen the economy of the country as importation of rice would reduce.
He stated that the ministry was poised to ensure that rice sufficiency and food security was achieved in Nigeria.
The Federal Government recently re-affirmed its determination to ensure that all rice consumed in Nigeria were produced by local farmers.
Meanwhile, Mr Dahiru Ado-Kurawa, the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Trade Malpractices has met with rice dealers in Abuja and spoke of the government’s resolution which, he said, would benefit Nigerians.