To be among the league of local rice producing states in Nigeria, rice farmers and producers in parts of Edo state are appealing to relevant authorities to give them support in the cultivation of the staple food in the state.
They say, government’s support will further boost local productions
Agbede, a rural community of over a million people in etsako west local government area of Edo state is noted for its agricultural vantage in rice production.
Rice from this area is rated as one of the best local rice produced in Nigeria .
To the local farmers and those involved in the production process, it is not fun getting the rice to our various tables as they are faced with chains of challenges.
At the market, which holds every four days, traders from the length and breath of Nigeria, are sighted. Many of them are said to have bought and rebag the rice to meet further sales demands.
Narrating their ordeal in the hands of herdsmen which they said is one of the major challenges In rice cultivation, this woman could not hide her anger, as she said the rice farm, where she answered other women have in the community get their livelihood has been turned to a grazing site.
Others say after destroying their means of livelihood, they do not get compensated by the owner of the cattle, adding that the increasing number of herdsmen and their settlements in the community is becoming worrisome.
Our checks indicate that, should the government at various levels show more interest in rice production in Agbede, farmers are capable to improve on their current level of product, while also appealing to government to help to address the activities of herdsmen in the community.
