RIFAN INAUGURATES CRS CHAPTER

BY LOUISA TATEY

A Ten Man Committee to pilot the affairs of the Cross River State Rice Farmers has been inaugurated.

Speaking at the event which was held recently at the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Hall, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Egrinya Eneji expressed delight at the meeting with the State Rice Farmers, noting that the rice company has been a bit weak and expressed the hope that with the inauguration of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, (RIFAN) Cross River State Chapter, the sector will perform optimally.

The Commissioner who tasked the association to work as a team, informed them that funders are available and ready to support the rice sector with the needed inputs and necessary equipment for its cultivation.

Informing that, the previous RIFAN Committee in the state has been dissolved, Prof. Eneji stated that the newly inaugurated committee hence forth remains the recognized body that all rice related issues should be channeled through.

Also, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Rev. Unimneaki Ugbe, charged rice farmers in the State to be united, focused and ready to work, noting that rice farming season is fast approaching, that with unity and team work, the State will be one of the leading States in rice production.

Responding, the newly inaugurated Chairman, RIFAN Cross River State Chapter, Chief Ntaji John Ugi, expressed joy to be part of the rice farmers in the state and thanked the State Government and CBN for the support and concern shown in the rice sector, promising that farmers will put in their best to ensure adequate cultivation and production of rice in the State.

The Chairman commended Governor Ben Ayade for the introduction of the best specie of rice which is now at the door steps of farmers, stating that farmers are ready to cultivate rice four times in a year with the use of irrigation system.

In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman of RIFAN Cross River State Chapter, Dr. Atan O. Ogar, said rice farmers are enthusiastic about the inauguration, that soon, the State will be projected as one of the major rice producing State in the country.

Stating further, that with the Ultra Modern Rice Factory in the State, Cross River rice will no longer be owned by other states because there are adequate facilities on grounder to run the finishing process of rice production.