‘Border Closure, Inadequate Funding Of Rice Millers Responsible For Food Crisis’
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
The general manager of Labana Rice Mills Company in Kebbi State, Alhaji Alhassan Yusuf, has attributed the current inflation rate and food shortages in the country to border closure and inability of millers to produce enough food.
Speaking with newsmen Monday in Birnin Kebbi, Yusuf called on the federal government to empower millers with funds in order to produce optimally for food security in the country.
“Let the federal government assist millers with loans to enhance their production capacity just like it has done previously on anchor borrower, this time around, it should be done with amendments by giving the funds directly to millers, not individuals, certain organisations or farmers.
“With the current inflation rates, millers, producers of rice, corn, wheat and oil need urgent help to enhance their production capacity,” he said.
He said further that the Labana company which was recently back in production has been hit by hardship and inflation of commodities.
According to him, a 50kg bag of rice which was previously sold for between N38,000 and N40,000 is now sold at N60,000 and N70,000 due to the current inflation.
