Niger expects one million metric tonnes of corn harvest –Bago

Niger expects one million metric tonnes of corn harvest –Bago
By Aideloje Ojo, Minna
Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has said the state government is expecting an estimated harvest of over one million tonnes of corn from the state mechanized farms this season.
The governor stated this while flagging off the harvest of corn at one of farms sites owned by Niger Foods at Emi Guye community, in Bida local government area of the state at the weekend.
The governor promised to deal decisively with aggregators stockpiling food items in the state in a bid to curb price hikes.
He said, “the use of the combined harvesters would reduce losses between 80 and 90 percent. We are expecting about a million metric tonnes of corn this year aside rice, soya bean, sesame, guinea corn and millet.
“We warned those involved in hoarding food items to relocate from Niger state immediately to avoid the wrath of the law, add that. I have ordered the State Task Force for Price Control to immediately come up with measures that would curtail the activities of aggregators that stuck pile food items in their warehouses which often lead to hike in prices of food items,” he stated.
He said that the administration has remained resolute in the determination to achieve its Feed the Nation Agenda through mechanise Agriculture.
The governor who toured the Emi Guye community shortly after the event, directed that some basic amenities such as water and solar energy be provided for the people and those of the adjourning communities.
The village head of Emi Guye, Alh. Usman Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of the people, appreciated the governor for the gesture while also commending him for his development strides in the state.