Grain marketers urge FG to ban maize import

The association of grain sellers in Kaduna State has called on the Federal Government to restrict the importation of maize into the country in order to encourage local production. 

This was as they also lamented that farmers in Borno, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states are deserting their farms due to incessant attacks by bandits and urged the government to provide adequate security for them. 

Chairman of the association, Haruna Ahmad who led his members on a courtesy visit to the Agro-processing, Productivity, Enhancement, and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project office in Kaduna yesterday made the plea. He said that the importation of maize is counter-productive to agricultural development and should be discouraged. 

According to Ahmad, the government urged them to return to the farm and they did but find it difficult to sell or market their grains after harvesting. “We see no reason why the government will allow maize imports when our local farmers can produce enough and even export to neighbouring African countries.”

Responding, a top member of APPEALS, Yahya Aminu said the project is designed to support medium and small-scale farmers to improve productivity and value addition for maize, ginger and dairy products.