Economy
Gov. Umaru Bago Flags-Off Corn Harvest in Bid to Boost Food Security in Niger State
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Gov. Umaru Bago Flags-Off Corn Harvest in Bid to Boost Food Security in Niger State
By Beli Abubakar Nasiru
In a step towards bolstering food production and ensuring food security, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” has launched the corn harvest season for Niger Foods as part of his agenda “Feed the Nation”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor flagged off the event at one of Niger Foods’ expansive corn farms along Bida, launching the harvest process The farmer Governor, who was filled with delight, said there are more than 100,000 Hectares of corn fields of Niger Foods spread across the State and that 100 combined harvesters have been deployed across the farms.
The use of mechanized harvesters, He explained, is expected to reduce crop losses by 80 to 90 percent, a crucial step as the state anticipates harvesting around a million metric tonnes of corn this season, alongside other key crops including rice, soya beans, sesame, guinea corn, and millet.
Further addressing food affordability, the farmer governor directed the State Task Force on Price Control to implement measures to prevent aggregators from hoarding food stocks in warehouses, a practice he said often drives up food prices to the detriment of local consumers.
During his visit, Governor Umaru Bago also engaged with the Emi Guye community near the farm, where he pledged to enhance essential amenities such as water and solar energy for the residents and neighboring communities.
The Village Head of Emi Guye, Alhaji Usman Mohammed, spoke on behalf of the community, expressing gratitude to Governor Bago for his impactful development initiatives aimed at uplifting the people of Niger State.
