Jonathan Approves N9.7b For Food Production

PRESIDENT Jonathan has approved the sum of N9.7 billion for a flood recovery food production plan.

The plan, which involves release of 40,000 metric tons of food from the Strategic Grains Reserve to affected victims, also includes provision of free seedlings and fertilizers to affected farmers.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, disclosed this during an emergency meeting with State Commissioners for Agriculture and Rural Development on the National Flood Recovery Food Production Programme in Abuja.

He explained that the flood claimed 106,400 hectares (ha) of 751, 540ha total cultivated area in Taraba, while Kogi had crop loss of 72, 200 ha of 250, 670ha cultivated farmland.

Adesina further put the total flooded areas as at October 12 and 13, 2012 at 1.4 million, with an estimated crop loss of 467,000ha.

Adesina said that to compensate farmers, the government has put in place a flood recovery food production plan to support farmers in flood-affected areas.

He said: “As the flood recedes, we will embark on the intervention. Mr. President has approved N9.7 billion for us to implement this plan.”

“The plan has four components: first, we will release 40,000mt of food from the strategic grain reserve to the families directly affected by the floods. Secondly, we will provide free improved seeds and fertilizers to farmers that are directly affected as soon as the water recedes.

“Thirdly, in states that are affected by floods, but vast areas unaffected, we will give improved seeds and fertilizers, while the last group, which are states that are not affected, will also benefit from free seeds and fertilizers, but through the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme.”