Delta State government has assured that it would give support to the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), in ensuring that there is large production of maize for consumption.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Julius Egbedi, gave the assurance Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of over 2000 hectares of the Federal Government, MAAN and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Anchor Borrowers Programme held in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha south local government area of the state.
He told the maize farmers that the state government is working hard in crop production so as to engage about 5000 farmers.
According to him, he ordinary season cassava farming with 1000 hectares has been increased to 2000 hectares to enable large production just as he told the CBN team that the warehouse to receive was ready.
“If Delta State key into it and begin to produce maize, maize will chase away cassava starch from the market. The state government is willing to support maize farmers.
“We appeal to traditional rulers and youth leaders to make land available for development as the primary beneficiaries will be from the community. With that fulani herdersm will not have a hiding place to carry out their nefarious activities”, he assured.
He advised the association to throw their membership doors open for more members to join for a robust association.
Director Head of Finance Development, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Elenwor Ihua said it takes partnership to build and develop a nation.
He disclosed that the essence was to capture 200, 000 maize farmers across the country with 90 per maize association.
He stated that over 1, 284 MAAN and Maize growers procession farmers in Delta holds their destinies in their hands, pointing out that 70 percent of poultry feeds are taken from maize.
“The Central Bank wants to support small holder farmers with 166, 000 inputs for farmers that will produce minimum of four tones for an hectares of land.
“The commitment is that if the farmers are willing to do their part, the CBN is willing to do more in the next season. Don’t sell the inputs provided by CBN but use them for the purpose they are met”.
Earlier, Chairman, Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN Delta state chapter, Hon. Chukwutem Ossai, said the laudable initiative of the Federal Government, MAAN, CBN, Anchor Borrowers Programme on maize farming remain the driving force in making the flag-off a reality.
“The FG, MAAN and CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme on maize farming is an initiative of President Buhari to boost maize production by involving the grassroot maize farmers in all local governments in Nigeria to produce enough for local maize consumption and for export”.
