Niger State Reestablishes Grains Board to Help Reduce Poverty

The Niger State government is re-establishing a Grains Board in order to help farmers reduce poverty in the state. This was made known in a statement by the Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Jonathan Vatsa, on Sunday in Minna, the state’s capital.

With the economic challenges faced by the country, Mr Vatsa expressed belief that the board would also create more jobs for the teeming youths.

He said that the board would help to checkmate people who act as middle men that are in the habit of exploiting farmers in the state.

The statement, while calling on the people of the state, especially farmers to embrace the board, stated that the Niger State government had made agriculture one of its topmost priorities since the fall of oil price.

The Commissioner promised that the State government would put everything in place to encourage farmers to achieve their desired goals, assuring the farmers that the government would buy their produce from them.

He said that the three senatorial zones in the state would be identified with a particular crop and they would be assisted to produce such crops to attract international markets.

“Zone ‘A’ is known for the production of rice and banana, zone ‘B’ produces yam and zone ‘C’ is into cotton and rice, which at the end of the day will generate enough revenue to develop the state,” he said.

Mr Vasta admonished the people to go into mechanised farming, adding that the government would simplify ways of farming without stress.

He said that the government has practically demonstrated its commitment in agriculture, youth and women empowerment as contained in the budget recently presented to the State Assembly.

The Commissioner said that Niger State government had resolved to embark on people oriented programmes and projects tailored towards ensuring that the people get value for the lean finances of government.

He promised that the government would constantly engage the people by adequately informing them of its programmes and policy which are in conformity with the direct principle of good governance and rule of law.