Don urges FG, investors to exploit vast arable land in Niger State for rice production
NAN-H-11
Rice
By Mercy Osajiugo
Lapai (Niger) Feb. 8, 2017 (NAN) A don, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, has advised the Federal Government and investors to take advantage of vast arable land in Niger State to produce rice.
Yakubu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) in Lapai on Wednesday.
“If we can have five other states to complement Niger and Kebbi states that are already producing one million metric tonnes each then Nigeria is safe.
“If seven million metric tonnes of rice can be produced by seven states, Nigeria will have food security in the area of rice annually.”
Yakubu applauded the Federal Government for its economic diversification drive and urged it to take advantage of the vast arable land at Mashegu, Wushishi and Mariga local government areas of Niger State.
He expressed regret that Niger State with vast arable land was farming insignificantly too small area.
“Government should identify crops which attract premium price that can be cultivated and exported and go into their production for optimal yield.
“With this, youths can be massively employed in the agricultural sector and the available vast arable land will be well utilised.”
Yakubu also commended the Federal Government for its numerous agricultural policies, but urged her to “implement the compendium of the green alternative.”
“I am advising government to engage more youths, irrespective of whether they studied agriculture or not; agriculture is an art and if the youths are trained on the field of art, they can make it.
“If the government can gainfully engage the youths and channel them to the sector, a large percentage of the nation unemployed youths would have been engaged.
“If this can be done and followed up religiously, food security for the teeming Nigeria population will be greatly achieved,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that recently N-Power, a Federal Government scheme engaged over 300 in N-Agro in Niger State is in line with the diversification policy. (NAN)
MNO/KOLE/TA
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Tajudeen Atitebi