The National Rice Producers, Processors, Millers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMMAN), Nasarawa State chapter, has called for government’s support to boost rice production in the state.
The State’s Chairman of the association, Abel Jilemsam, made the call during the inauguration of its local government executives Tuesday in Lafia.
He said the association needed government support in the provision of inputs such as tractors, tillers, threshers, planters, de-stoners and colour sorters among others.
The NARPPMMAN State’s Leader said that creating a rice pyramid and ensuring food security was achievable in Nasarawa being one of the safest state to live and do business in northern Nigeria.
Jilemsam described NARPPMMAN as the new hub in the agricultural sector aimed at showcasing all the potentials in rice value chain.
He urged members of the association to adopt modern rice production techniques that would make their produce meet international standard.
He, however, thanked the Federal and Nasarawa state government for the special interest in agriculture, particularly small holders farmers as a way of creating employment for the teeming youth, improve Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reduce crime in the society.
“As an organisation in the rice value chain, we are determined to harmonise our experiences in all areas of success and challenges to move rice production to an enviable stage in the state.
“This will create specialisation among the actors, make the operational structures seamless as well as creating access to sustainable funding, structured market, fair pricing and a guaranteed off take”, he said.
In his remarks, Mustafa Ahmadu, National President of the association, represented by the North Central Vice Chairman, Ishaku Samaila, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for encouraging rice farmers for optimal production.
Also, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Nuhu Oshafu, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Nuhu Usman-Bunu, congratulated the members for coming under one umbrella for the purpose of rice production.
The commissioner assured the association of the state government’s willingness to partner them towards ensuring food security, while appealing for a more robust network.
The highpoint of the occasion was the swearing in of the new local government executives of NARPPMMAN to pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.