A member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Obokun State Constituency, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has hailed the Federal Government for approving N60 billion subsidy for the rice industry in the country.
Oyintiloye, who addressed reporters yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, noted that with the subsidy, local rice production would receive a boost and its importation would be minimised.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, after the National Security on Friday disclosed that the Federal Government had approved N60 billion to support the rice industry in the country.
Oyintiloye, who also double as the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, said with the subsidy, local rice farmers would be empowered and rice farming would be supported.
The lawmaker noted that the measure would address the problem of food security and nutrition.
He decried high prevalence of importation of food items, hoping that the commitment of the Federal Government to food production would enable Nigeria to attain food sufficiency.
He said with the planned subsidy, more attention would be given to local rice production, however, he urged Federal Government to ensure prompt release of the fund so that rice farmers could take advantage of it.
