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FG Releases N9.7 billion to boost food production

By on November 21, 2012

 

Agric Minister, Akinwunmi Adesina

 

With a view to ensuring that the after flood effect  that hit the Northern States mostly does not impede or hamper the aggressive and robust agricultural plan of the Federal Government, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwunmi Adesina in a National council on Agriculture meeting announced the approval of N9.7 billion for the sector.

He stated that the funds will serve as a strategic and emergency Flood Recovery Food Production plan that should support and encourage farmers that were affected by the flood, to get back to do what they know best that is also vital to economic development.

This is a timely plan from Government which identifies how crucial food production and security is to the sustainable development of the Nation.  It  can be noted that in Nations like China, Malaysia, United States, Canada and France whenever Natural disasters hit the farmlands, the Governments make effort to see how they can assist displaced farmers.

Outlining the strategies in the meeting with Commissioners of Agriculture across the Nation, Dr Adesina said  Government would make available 40,000 metric tonnes of food from the strategic grain reserves to the families hit by the ravaging flood.

A major challenge identified in the meeting was  how the Government could really compensate for the terrible  losses incurred as a result of the devastating natural disaster that is unprecedented in Nigerian history.

Apart from the fund, the Federal  Ministry of Agriculture has also made provisions for a 100 metric tonnes of seed of extra early maturing maize, while also planting 5,500 hectares of farm lands in affected  areas, noting that this enable  the farmers to take the responsibility to cultivate, plant and feed themselves.

The dynamic Minister also in a very optimistic and exuberant presentation stressed that with  a well coordinated effort across the country the Flood recovery food production plan will reposition Nigeria to get itself back on track in terms  of cassava and rice production boosting and enhancing food security  at a time when there  are increased warnings of Global food crisis if governments do not take proactive measures on food security.

One Comment

  1. Ebenezer Okebukola

    November 21, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Good plan.Proper Implementation Strategy is very critical for the success.