Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, says Nigeria spends N2.4bn on the importation of rice daily.
Ogbeh made the disclosure while addressing farmers at Ndeagu-Echara and Omege-Echara in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Friday.
“The country is currently importing $6m worth of rice daily and the funds to sustain such importation are no longer obtainable,” Ogbeh, who spoke through his Senior Adviser on International Donor Partners, said.
He promised the farmers of the FG’s support to enable them embark on all-year farming.
“The Federal Government would support you through the provision of inputs, access to financing among other interventions, to achieve improved yields from your crops.
“You will also be supported to embark on all-year farming through the provision of irrigation facilities that would enhance crop yield.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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