Rice farmers in Akwa Ibom State have berated the state government for its decision to import large quantities of rice under the bulk food purchase project.
Mr. Emmanuel Usua, a rice farmer and immediate past chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Akwa Ibom State branch, said the development was counter productive to rice farming in the state.
According to Usua, “Akwa Ibom State has vast arable land and a significant number of farmers, who are willing and able to produce rice.
“By importing rice, the government is not only hurting our businesses but discouraging local production and food self-sufficiency and contradicting its ARISE Agenda.”
The state government has defended its decision, citing the need to ensure food security and meet the demand for rice in the state.
However, critics argue that the government’s approach is short-sighted, neglecting the long-term benefits of supporting local agriculture.
“Importing rice may seem like a quick fix, but it does not address the underlying issues in our agricultural sector.
“The Ibiono rice farmland is large enough to provide rice for all in Akwa Ibom, but we have been neglected by the government. By supporting local farmers, the government can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ensure sustainable food production in the state”, he said.
Other farmers in Ibiono Ibom extraction who are victims of the importation are calling on the government to provide more support for rice cultivation to mitigate the devastating effects of inflation on food prices.
The Ibiono Rice Farmers emphasized that rice is a staple food for over 80 percent of Nigerians, and its prices have a significant ripple effect on the country’s inflation rate.
They maintain that rice is a critical crop in Nigeria, and its production has a direct impact on food security and inflation, urging the government to allocate adequate funding to rice farming in Ibiono Ibom, Ikono and Ini local government areas, where rice can be cultivated to boost production and stabilize prices.
While commending Governor Umo Eno for his efforts so far in combating hunger in the state, they urged him to cultivate personal interest in rice farmers for increased productivity in the business.
Another active rice farmer, Mr Friday Etim, commended the state government’s commitment to prioritizing agricultural development, including rice production, to tackle inflation and ensure food security.
“It is sad that the commissioner agriculture in the state is taking us for granted,” Mr Friday said, saying, “We should be celebrated for fighting hunger and reducing the cost of food in the state. Office farming is not acceptable and ending hunger is crucial now.
“Let the government invest more in rice planting in Akwa Ibom then within six months we assure him that other states will come to Akwa Ibom to buy rice.”
He noted that farmers often face challenges in accessing government support, which can be misdirected or delayed, making it difficult for them to benefit from initiatives aimed at boosting rice production.
He appealed to the government to address these issues and ensure that support reaches the farmers who need it most.
Other rice farmers lamented the lack of adequate support and lip-service from the government, a development that has hindered their ability to increase production and meet the demand for rice in the state.
They called on the government to prioritize agriculture and provide the necessary support for rice farming, including access to credit facilities, improved seeds, and mechanized farming equipment.
They expressed optimism that with government support, Akwa Ibom can produce surplus rice for export to neighbouring states, thereby generating revenue and creating jobs for the youth.
Recall that the state government last week acknowledged receipt of 24,000 bags of rice.
