Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, RIFAN expresses support for the closure of borders by the Federal Government, assuring that rice farmers will work harder to increase local rice production in the country.
The South-West RIFAN Vice President Victor Korede, gave the assurance in an interview on Friday in Ibadan.
Korede said the border closure would add a lot of economic benefits to the nation, create opportunities for the farmers to produce more rice and to have easy access to markets.
He implored the government not to back down its decision as the hike in price of rice would not last, rather efforts should be further gathered to encourage local rice production through existing windows.
Korede said that appraisal of various food security programmes should be duly carried out to improve upon successes attained, while loopholes found should be blocked.
He said that mechanisation should retain its prime place in farming with recognition of micro, small and large scale farmers; awareness of planting quality seeds should increase and made available at affordable price to farmers.
