|
Listen now
|
Nathaniel Gbaoron, Lafia
Nasarawa state chapter of the rice producers, processors, Millers And Marketers Association Of Nigeria (NARPPMMAN), has said the association will sustain it’s core mandate to increase rice production, attract investment, encourage local consumption and patronage and improve capacity of all actors.
Chairman of the Association in Nasarawa state, Abel Jilemsam, announced this in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, at the inauguration of local government exco of the association.
According to the chairman, NARPPMMAN will remain competitive locally and internationally and draw government’s attention to the challenges faced by value chain players, attract funding from government, private financiers and partners international organizations directly involved in rice value chain.
While describing NARPPMMAN as the new hub in the agricultural sector aimed at showcasing all the potentials in rice chain, Jilemsam appealed to members to join to develop modern agriculture as the association has alot to offer.
Read Also: Court Set to Visit Disputed Land Between Dangote, Nasarawa Community
“As an organization in the rice value chain, we are determined to harmonize our experiences in all areas of success and challenges to build massively to move rice commodity to an enviable stage to create the desired impact on the link between the value chain players from down to upstream.”
“This will create specialization among the actors, make the operational structures seamless as well as create access to sustainable funding, structured market, fair pricing and a guaranteed off-take,” Jilemsam said.
In his speech, the national President of the association Mustafa Ahmadu, represented by the vice chairman incharge of north central, Ishaku Samaila, appreciated president Muhammadu Buhari for encouraging rice farmers for optimal production.
The national chairman also appreciated the Nasarawa state governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule for the support given to the association and requested more support from the state government.
The Nasarawa state Commissioner for Agriculture and water resources, Nuhu Oshafu, who was represented at the occasion by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Nuhu Usman Bunu, congratulated the members for coming under one umbrella for the purpose of rice production.
The Commissioner assured NARPPMMAN that Nasarawa state government will continue to seek areas of collaboration with the association and appealed for more robust network.
Highlights of the occasion was the swearing in of the Nasarawa state local government exco of the association as well as goodwill messages from well wishers.