Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of state for Agriculture and Rural Development , has appealed to individuals and farmers to desist from hoarding grains to boost agricultural production in the country.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on behalf of the Minister by the Director of Information in the ministry, Mr Tony Ohaeri, on Friday.
The minister urged those engaged in the practice to make the grains available for consumers to reduce scarcity and cost of produce in the market.
He said he was reacting to reports that large tonnes of harvested grains were being hoarded by some individuals with the intention to sell to the Federal Government at exorbitant prices.
Lokpobiri explained that hoarding of grains would affect their quality, nutritional value and desired profit in monetary terms.
According to him, the Federal Government has affirmed that it has no plans to buy grains from any dishonest third party and anybody hoarding grains is doing so at his own risk.
“The Federal Government is determined to ensure that the country enjoys food security and self sufficiency.
“The government has put in several measures in place to make sure that farmers get all the necessary farm inputs.
“We are hugely engaged and committed to all round agriculture including dry season farming and through increased investment in irrigation,’’ Lokpobiri said.
The minister assured citizens of their readiness to make the country achieve self sufficiency in grains production. (
