Association to enlighten rice farmers on method to boost production


The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Bayelsa chapter, is to enlighten its members on method and technique to boost production and improve agribusiness in the state.
The Chairman of RIFAN in Bayelsa, Mr Ezekiel Ogbianko, said the enlightenment which would focus on rural-based, young and potential farmers would be on the need to boost food production.
He said the enlightenment was also to support the Federal Government’s campaign to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
Ogbianko said already, the associated had registered over 3, 885 clusters to participate in the programme and urged rice farmers in the state to embrace it to widen their knowledge.
``These are genuine rice farmers drawn from the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa.
``There is going to be enlightenment programme for them; we are still planning to fix a convenient date.
``This is to enable us to enlighten the farmers on the necessary things for agribusiness and efficient production,’’ he said.
According to Ogbianko, Bayelsa state is working hard to go into full mechanised rice farming.
``There are lands here and most of these lands are virgin. The lands here need no irrigation for cultivations.
``Our lands are already wet and fertile for farming, especially for rice and we can cultivate and harvest at any period.
``We have acquired 11,000 hectares; 5, 000 at Okogbe in Ogbia Local Government Area and 6,000 hectares at Nembe. We have commenced clearing on those lands,” the Chairman said. 

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