Nigerian maize farmers are worried about the commodity’s huge importation into the country.
They are concerned it could crowd out local production and now want government to remedy the situation.
A tonne of locally produced maize currently sells between one N130,000 to 250,000.
The imported one sells lower at N40,000 per tonne.
The Nigerian agriculture authorities believe the locally farmed maize should not cost that much.
They attribute the high cost to the selfish interests of the framers.
But the farmers are quick to refute this saying the harsh conditions under which they operate are responsible.
The maize producers say cost of locally farmed maize will definitely fall if government incentives help augment production costs.
The agriculture authorities are soon to meet with maize farmers on the high cost of produce and concerns about importation.
The farmers insist maize importation can be reduced to the barest minimum if government adequately supports indigenous maize production to meet local demand.
