Rice farmers have assured Nigerians that the nationwide production and supply of rice will not be derailed by the Corona Virus pandemic.

The national body of rice farmers, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) said that it will continue to upheave the production of rice regardless of the scourge that has put the country on lockdown.

In a chat with newsmen, President of the Association, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo reiterated the group stance towards ensuring food sufficiency in the country, as well as supporting the government’s food intervention programme.

“We have enough rice paddy produced by our farmers, we launched three of our rice pyramids in Taraba, Kano and Kebbi states, housing close to 200,000 bags of rice paddy, more are still on ground enough to feed our rice milling industries.

“We, therefore, appeal to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to buy the excess rice paddy from us as part of the government’s food reserves policy.” He said.

Goronyo affirmed that rice farmers in the country were ready to contribute their quota in stemming the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He called on members to collaborate with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Health and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in order to curb the spread.

Goronyo further advised rice farmers to adhere to all precautionary measures, health directives and regulations provided by the government and its agencies.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA