Nigerian agriculture leader calls for rice producer subsidies
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Husseini Ilyasu, head of the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria, has called on the government to subsidise inputs to reduce production costs and strengthen food security. He made the appeal at a training session in Bida, Niger State, on rice processing technologies for 20 women’s cooperatives, the Daily Post reports.
Husseini Ilyasu, chief executive of the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria, called on the Nigerian federal government to subsidise fertilisers, improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to reduce rice production costs. “Food security cannot be achieved without subsidies,” he said at a training session on rice processing technologies in Bida, Niger State, according to the Daily Post.
Ilyasu said Nigerian producers were at a disadvantage compared with foreign competitors who already received public support. He also called for measures to help farmers manage risks and remain on their farms, as rising input costs weigh on local production.
The training, organised by Hello Tractor with AGAN and the value chain development programme backed by the Nigerian government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, brought together 20 women’s cooperatives. Participants learned steaming methods and how to use rice husks as an alternative to firewood, to reduce costs, deforestation and processing waste.
Ilyasu also stressed the need to improve rice quality, particularly through better control of parboiling and colour sorting. He proposed that agricultural extension services do more to inform farmers about the varieties sought by processors and consumers.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
