The Kebbi state Governor, Atiku Bagudu, has urged Nigerians to patronise locally-produced rice for its high quality and purity and for the development of the country economy.
Mr Bagudu gave the advice at the “Grain price seasonality in Kebbi and transforming African Agriculture through science and innovation,” programme.
The occasion was organised by USAID and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero on Wednesday.
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“Nigerians should pay more attention to locally-produced rice which has high quality and purity more than imported foreign rice.
“More so, by paying attention to our own products, we are helping the economy of the country to grow speedily,” he said.
The governor assured that his administration would encourage research in the University on various food crops, especially onion and other perishable produce for export.
He called on the organisers of the event to lead the way in finding acceptable price for grains.
“You should also dwell in research that could afford grains produce in the state and Nigeria, to have equal value price in any country of the world.”
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bashar Ladan, said the university hosted the meeting to enable researchers come out with grain price in the state and Nigeria acceptable to in all markets.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the price must be such that farmers would not incur losses.
He said the university would extend its research searchlight to all grain producers in the state to enable them compete with international market standards.
Mr Ladan commended the governor for providing environment that enabled the university to organise meetings, workshops and seminars in various disciplines.
“The seminars and workshops have enhanced the teaching of students on research ways,” he said.
NAN
