An NGO, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), on Monday distributed 44 improved rice seeds to 500 registered rice farmers in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The National President of NANTS, Mr Ken Ukoha, while presenting the improved rice seed to farmers in Zaria, expressed regret that rice farmers were not really enjoying the required support to boost rice production in the state.
Ukoha said that the essence of the gesture was to increase the production of the commodity in the state.
He said that the beneficiaries were drawn from Zaria and Kubau local government areas, and explained that they would undergo training on the new technology required to increase rice production.
He said that the beneficiaries would also receive fertilisers as well as micro credit facilities aimed at boosting rice production.
“The association will also create a market after harvesting in view of the fact that rice farmers in the country are facing difficulty in selling their produce.’’
He urged them to make judicious use of the facility to enhance food security in the country.
Malam Maharazu Balarabe, one of the beneficiaries, commended the NGO for the laudable support that would ensure bumper harvests.
He lamented that rice farmers in the areas were lagging behind due to financial constraint and inadequate support that would pave way for greater productivity.
“Now, with the support we enjoyed from NANTS and what the Kaduna government is doing to enhance productivity, we are on course toward food security in the country,” he said.
