April 9, 2018

The Kaduna State chapter of Rice Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) on Monday distributed farm inputs to rice farmers in Sanga Local Government on a loan basis.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inputs include fertilisers, water pumps, sprayers, herbicides and rice seeds, among others.

Alhaji Abdulmumin Ashafa, the Administrator of Sanga Local Government Council, who spoke at the distribution ceremony at Gwantu, headquarters of the council area, described the gesture as a boost to rice farmers in the area.

He noted that the local government area was known for its high commitment to agricultural production, adding that beneficiaries should reciprocate the gesture through increased productivity in their farms.

In his speech, Alhaji Junaidu Zubairu, the Kaduna State Chairman of RIFAN, warned the beneficiaries against the use of the inputs for purposes which were different from the intended ones.

“The ultimate goal of the support to farmers is to encourage rice production, not for only local consumption but also for export,” he said.

Zubairu expressed hope that the rice farmers would live up to their expectations by increasing their productivity.

Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, the ex-district head of Wasa in Numana Chiefdom, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the local government for the initiative, describing it as a good step in the right direction.