The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in Lagos has urged the federal government to channel agricultural interventions through farmers’ associations to ensure they reach genuine farmers and boost local rice production.

RIFAN’s chairman in Lagos, Raphael Hunsa, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos. Mr Hunsa commended the federal government for supporting the rice sector but said the interventions were insufficient and often failed to reach the intended beneficiaries.

He alleged that some politicians hijacked farm inputs by presenting non-farmers as beneficiaries during distribution exercises.

“We appreciate the federal government’s efforts to support rice production and ensure the availability of locally produced rice. However, the interventions are not enough, and many of the inputs do not get to genuine farmers because some people pose as farmers to benefit from them,” he said.

According to him, fertilisers distributed under the administration of President Bola Tinubu are often diverted before reaching actual rice farmers.

“When the government provides interventions, politicians bring in individuals who are not farmers to collect fertilisers meant for genuine farmers. When farmers are denied these inputs, they become discouraged, and production cannot increase as expected,” he said.

Mr Hunsa said such a diversion could create the impression that government support had reached farmers when, in reality, many genuine beneficiaries were left out.

He appealed to the federal government to distribute farm inputs directly through recognised farmers’ associations to enhance transparency and improve productivity.

“If the government channels these interventions through farmers’ associations, they will reach the right farmers, production will increase, and the sector will continue to grow.

“Local rice production is improving, and prices are gradually declining, but sustained government support is needed to further increase output,” he said.

(NAN)