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Friday, October 5, 2012

Adesina moved by devastation caused by floods

Vanguard News
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Adesina moved by devastation caused by floods
Oct 5th 2012, 15:15

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina was on Thursday moved by the devastation caused by the floods on rice, maize and banana crops.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina during his tour to flood-affected areas in Niger state on Thursday, said the Federal Government is working out a special flood recovery food production plan to grow more food through irrigation in the forthcoming dry season to minimise the effect of crop losses caused by the recent flooding that destroyed farms in parts of the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development disclosed this in Wushishi that early-maturing rice and maize seeds would soon be provided to farmers for sowing.

"The improved early-maturing, high-yielding seeds would be ready for harvesting within sixty days of planting," he said and assured that the farmers would also have access to subsidised fertilisers and free cassava planting materials.

Moved by what he saw of the devastation caused by the floods on rice, maize and banana crops along the banks of River Kaduna, which passed through 15 Local Government Areas of the State, Dr. Adesina said that the federal government was concerned about the plight of the victims of the flood and would do everything possible to mitigate the devastation it caused.

"The Federal Government would help the Government of Niger State to deal with the problem and help the farmers to recover from the devastating impact of the flooding on their crops," he reiterated.

Sarkin Noman Wushishi, Ahaji Musa Gudigi, who was among the people who received the Minister and the Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Ibeto, at the flooded bank of River Kaduna just outside Wushishi town, expressed happiness with the visit by the Minister.

The large-scale farmer informed the Minister and the Deputy Governor that the Growth Enhancement Support scheme of the Federal Government made it possible for hundreds of farmers in the area to access subsidised fertilsers and improved seeds through e-wallet. He advised that the programme should be expanded and sustained because of its benefits to small-holder farmers.

Earlier, during a courtesy call on him by the Minister, Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the visit and said that it was a demonstration of the concern the federal government had for the wellbeing of the citizens.

He disclosed that his government will immediately release the sum of N150 million to relieve the suffering of the 42, 000 people displaced by flooding in the state, and unfolded a three-year plan to cultivate 100, 000 hectres of ricein the state.

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