Kebbi Rice Farmers Explain N70m Assistance From Govt

Kebbi State chapter of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has clarified its position on the N70 million received from the state governor,  Nasir Idris, as assistance to secure improved seeds to boost rice and wheat production in the state.

Vice chairman of RIFAN and chairman of Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN) in the state,  Yusuf Isyaka Gabi, yesterday in Birnin Kebbi on behalf of the chairman,  Alhaji Bello Barade, said the governor gave the amount to the RIFAN executive when the association paid him a courtesy visit to rejoice with him on achievements he recorded within his 100-days in office.

He said the money according to the governor was a donation to the association to secure improved seed varieties of rice and wheat aimed at boosting rice and wheat production.

According to Gabi, RIFAN has secured enough improved seeds, fertilizer and chemicals as well as 300 hectares of land at Bagudo local government area of the state ahead of the plantation of the improved seeds.

He added that a committee had been set up to monitor the implementation and over 60 labourers were engaged which at the end would be a revolving scheme where government and farmers would benefit from the available seeds differently from those in the previous years.

Gabi also said after the harvest,  the available seeds would be sold to government and could later distribute them to farmers or import to other states.

He warned farmers and others  against rumours that the RIFAN executive had pocketed the amount for their personal needs.