Farmers Urge Agencies On Improved Storage Facilities

Farmers have urged relevant agriculture agencies to improve on the nation’s produce storage facilities to achieve the Federal Government’s objectives of boosting food production.

The farmers were reacting to the inauguration of the Presidential Committee/Task Force on Rice and Wheat to facilitate its programme on self-sufficiency in food production.

Chief Marcel Eleri, Chairman of Association of Registered Farmers in Afikpo North LGA told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the government’s initiative to boost the production of rice and wheat across the country was instructive.

“The Federal Government should collaborate with the Ebonyi Government to rehabilitate the Silos at Ezillo, Ishiellu LGA of the state for improved grain and other seedlings preservation,’’ he said.

Also a member of AFAN, Bayelsa chapter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, decried the abandonment of the Bayelsa silos project.

The AFAN member told NAN that there were no doubt about the importance of food preservation to boost food security.

He urged the state and federal government to step up plans to complete the ongoing silos centre for agriculturalists in the state.

“Yes, this project is ongoing over the years, is at Igbogene, Yenagoa local government area of the state; we have been waiting to see it completed,’’ he said.

Also, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Ebonyi State’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation explained that the government sent a high-powered delegation to Kebbi State to understudy rice production modalities.

“We have accepted that Kebbi has overtaken Ebonyi in rice production, but we have embarked on mechanisation of rice production to reclaim our top spot.

“We would also enhance the capacity of the Silos at Ezillo for adequate storage of rice and other grains while improving on farmers’ storage capabilities across the state.

Mr Uchenna Orji, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources noted that the state government has earmarked N50billion for farmers for improved rice production.

“The beneficiaries must show commitment to commercialise rice production, as the cultivation of the produce would be all year-round.

“The government has resolved that no land in the state would lie fallow, as it is enjoying tremendous collaboration from organisations such as FADAMA and International Food and Agricultural Development (IFAD),he said”

NAN