Despite ‘self-sufficiency’ claim, Nigerians battling with soaring price of rice

Published 2021년 8월 1일

Tridge summary

Nigeria has achieved self-sufficiency in rice production, according to the President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Aminu Goronyo, with local production increasing from two million tonnes in 2015 to nine million tonnes in 2021. This achievement is due to the Federal Government’s intervention through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme. However, despite this increase in production, the price of rice has risen significantly, making it less affordable for Nigerians. The country still faces a two million tonne deficit and relies on smuggled rice from Benin Republic to meet demand. Factors contributing to the high price of rice include the high cost of inputs, depreciation of the naira, and sabotage of government efforts by cabals who stockpile locally produced rice to create artificial scarcity.

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Original content

The declaration by the President of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Aminu Goronyo, few weeks back, that the country is now self-sufficient in rice production, could be perceived as a soothing balm to the already distraught Nigerians, who are struggling to survive this harsh living condition. Goronyo, who spoke in Kaduna, during the inauguration of sale of rice paddy to millers, said the country’s local rice production has increased from two million tonnes in 2015 to nine million tonnes in 2021. The local rice production, which increased by 77.8 per cent and valued at $4.05b was attributed to the Federal Government’s intervention through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). “Before the coming of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2015, we used to produce just about two million metric tonnes of rice paddies yearly. “Today, we can boast of nine million metric tonnes yearly; there is a clear difference and now we can boldly ...

Source: Guardian