Consumers and businessmen dealing in rice in Kaduna have commended the Federal Government for initiating the rice pyramid, hoping for reduction in price of the commodity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rice pyramid was unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari on Jan. 18 in Abuja.
The commendation is coming as people of the state host Buhari, who is on a two-day working visit to inaugurate projects.
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Speaking to NAN Thursday, some rice consumers and dealers expressed joy and hoped the initiation would reduce the cost of rice and other food items.
One of the respondents, Mrs Stephanie Ishaya, advised that the project be monitored strictly to ensure its sustenance.
“Rice is still beyond the reach of low-income earners; the government should ensure that such effort is not sabotaged by unpatriotic people,’’ she said.
Another consumer, Aminu Audu, said the country had the potential to be self-sustaining in rice production, and even export same.
“We are the largest producer of rice in Africa; we are getting there gradually but there should be more commitment,’’ Audu said.
On his part, Mr Samuel Musa, a consumer, frowned at the attitude of people who were critical of the project.
“Nobody is forced to believe the milestone achieved amidst critical challenges; such sceptics will come to terms with reality very soon,” he said.
Mrs Hanatu Alidu, also a rice consumer, described the development as heartwarming, adding that it was a sign of getting close to the promised land of self-sufficiency in rice production.
“With determination by the farmers and encouragement from the government, we can meet our food needs, with even enough to export; we are on the path to self-sufficiency.
“The government should sustain the programme by encouraging farmers with incentives to boost productivity,’’ she advised.
Alhaji Isyaka Kabo, a rice dealer at the Sheikh Abubakar Mamud Gumi market, Kaduna, described the initiative as akin to “ Rice Revolution.”
“The rice pyramid unveiled by Buhari is commendable because food security is very important; it might invariably lower the crime rate as people will find it easy to feed.
“I hope government will release the rice to the market, where it belongs, in good time, and not just keep it as a pyramid, because anything can happen,’’ he said.
Another rice dealer at the market, Alhaji Rayyanu Ibrahim, said the initiative was a step in the right direction.
“Nevertheless, the rice should be cultivated more and sold at every market in the country,’’ Ibrahim said.
Mr Christopher Musa, a rice retailer, also commended the Federal Government for the feat, just as he lamented the high cost of rice.
He prayed that the unveiling of the rice pyramid would result in price crash.
(NAN)
