By Ifeoma Ejiofor
A leading House of Representatives aspirant for Ihiala federal constituency in the 2023 general elections, Barr Johnmary Akachukwu Maduakolam has made case for boost in rice production in the country.
The PDP House of Representatives aspirant who was speaking with journalists in Nnewi, Anambra State noted that with increased government patronage, rice farmers in the country can produce enough to take care of the consumption need of the teeming Nigerians.
Barr Maduakolam noted that agriculture has always been enjoying lip service from successive administrations without any practical step to boost food production.
“With technologies, improved planting materials and farm mechanization, China, India, Thailand among others have mastered rice production technologies and are leading the pack.
“Nigeria needs to address the challenges around providing rural infrastructure and extension services, ensuring that incentives are transparent and accessible to all investors and as well simplify access to agric loans to make agric value chain more attractive.” Barr Maduakolam pointed out.
As a member of House of Representatives, the PDP aspirant said that he would do everything possible to encourage the production of Osekwa rice which his constituency is reputed for.
“Why is Osekwa rice in Ihiala not competing favorably with Omor rice or Abakiliki rice even when we have more suitable land for rice production?” He quipped.
The Azia based legal luminary said that he is intentional about energizing Osekwa rice in his CLEAN Ihiala project.
Barr Maduakolam said as a matter of fact that making agriculture attractive by all duty bearers will help in no small measure to reduce restiveness among the youths.