Farmers’ associations in Lagos State have expressed elation over the reduction in the price of Lagos rice from ₦64,000 to ₦57,000 per 50 kg bag, recently announced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The farmers shared their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Vice Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria Southwest in Lagos, Sakin Agbayewa, commended the state government for the decision.
He said the new price could encourage competition in the rice market.
The farmers leader said the competition might lead to another drop in rice prices within the next one or two weeks.
He said foreign rice currently sells between ₦52,000 and ₦56,000 depending on the point of purchase.
Agbayewa said transportation costs account for the difference in market prices, expressing delight that consumers buying Lagos rice at ₦57,000 are obtaining freshly processed products.
He added that some imported rice may have been stored for several years.
Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in Lagos, Raphael Hunsa, also praised the state government for the initiative.
He said the decision is beneficial to consumers during a period of increased demand.
Hunsa said the government has a record of responding to policies that affect residents.
He encouraged the government to continue supporting rice farmers to boost production.
The chairman said stable and increased production would help maintain rice prices.
He said the latest price adjustment will support many households during the Christmas season.
NAN