NEWS
Gov Bago deploys 100 harvesters for record corn harvest in Niger State
By Suleiman Yakubu
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has announced the deployment of 100 combined harvesters, the largest fleet in the country, to Niger Foods farms to harvest 100,000 hectares of corn fields.
The governor disclosed this in an interview with newsmen yesterday, shortly after driving one of the motorized harvesters at a corn field owned by Niger Foods along Bida Road to flag off this year’s harvest season.
Visibly delighted, the governor highlighted that there are more than 100,000 hectares of corn fields spread across the state. He pointed out that the use of combined harvesters would reduce losses by 80 to 90 percent. The state is expecting about a million metric tonnes of corn this year, in addition to rice, soya beans, sesame, guinea corn, and millet.
When asked if the massive harvest would lower food prices, Governor Bago stated that the state task force for price control has been mandated to immediately implement measures to curtail the activities of speculators who stockpile food items in their warehouses.
During his visit to the farm, including the Emi Guye community, the governor directed that basic amenities such as water and solar energy be provided to the community and other adjoining areas.
The village head of Emi Guye, Alh. Usman Mohammed, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people, commending the governor for his development strides in the state.