The federal government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is concluding plans to hand-in 50 farm stretchers hooked to vehicles to boost Kebbi state Rice Farmers Production.
In a statement, a Deputy Director, Information at the Ministry at the weekend, said the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this recently when he hosted the Deputy Governor of Kebbi state, Col. Samaila Yombe, Dabhi, in his office.
Ogbeh, it stated, applauded the government and farmers in Kebbi for their production of about 10 million tons of rice, thereby boosting the country’s determination to be self-sufficient in rice production.
The minister further said that companies to process and convert rice and wheat chaff into livestock feeds should be quickly considered and promised government’s support with funds.
Speaking further, the minister expressed concern for farmers good yield by suggesting corporation with boarder countries of Niger to crush cross boarder birds that destroys farms in Kebbi, he said a system shall be designed to check this menace. Also he advised Kebbi government to produce and distribute large farming hats to shield farmers from the hot afternoon sun, chemical respirators and shade canopy he said will encourage farmers to produce more.
The Deputy Governor, Col. Samaila Yombe Dabhi (rtd), appreciated the minister’s visit which he affirmed had galvanished them into more dynamic farming. He also said, it was a privilege to advise Federal Government on result oriented ways of pest control using their air crafts which are never the less docile for now, but with government support with funds can be put back on stream to control pest and enhance increase rice production, this he said will be adequate as the wet season sets in, which is also the period when these wild destructive invading birds fly in from Niger Republic in their millions.