NAN-AE-6
Grains
By Kudirat Musa
Abuja, Oct. 23, 2017 (NAN) Kaduna State Anchor Borrowers Forum and Kaduna State Commercial Agricultural Development Association have appealed to the Federal Government to stop the importation of all grains into the country.
The associations made the appeal in their letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, a copy of which was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
The associations urged the government to stem the importation of agricultural produce so as to encourage local production.
“We have been reliably informed that a reputable company had imported maize and soya beans massively into the country.
“The imported grains were not only for the company’s factory but they have also flooded our local markets.
“Our harvest is about to begin and if measures are not taken immediately, there will be a further decline in the price of grains, far below the cost of production,’’ they said.
The associations implored the Federal Government, through the Minister of Agriculture, to help address the situation.
“The importation will affect the interest and enthusiasm shown in the 2017 wet season farming, as farmers went into massive grains cultivation, with the hope that surplus produce will be made available for exports.’’
They also urged the Federal Government to create a regulatory body to work with the Nigeria Customs Service to put an end to the importation of grains so as not to defeat the farmers’ vision. (NAN)
ROK/AIB/OOK
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde and Dayo Komolafe