Dry season farming, grains distribution… FG speaks on plans to prevent food shortage

Mohammed Abubakar, minister of agriculture, says Nigerians need not worry about food shortage amid the devastating floods. 

TheCable had reported that the federal government said over 300,000 hectares of farmlands were damaged by the floods which swept through many Nigerian communities leaving over 600 persons dead.

Abubakar spoke to state house correspondents after the federal executive council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said there will be no food shortage because the country has enough food stockpiled in silos.

He added that farmers who have lost their produce will also be compensated

“For farmers especially, we always encourage farmers to take insurance, there are farmers that have taken insurance. So now is the time for compensation after we finish all the assessments,” he said.

“The government will always have a plan of action or emergency response. We have that plan and we’re already activating it, pending when we’ll finish all the assessments.

“What are we doing to avert food shortage? Number one, first and foremost, we have in place an intensive plan for dry-season farming. We have gotten funding from the African Development Bank, we have some money also in our own provision, also, IFAD, that is the International Fund for Agricultural Development, also just donated or granted, if you will, $5 million.

“So, we have some money that we are already planning to do dry season farming. Also, we are intensifying farming in areas that have no conflict to make up for those areas that we are getting little or no access.

“So the thing is the government, Mr. President, has specifically directed that we do everything humanly possible to make sure there is no food shortage in the country and I can tell you, there will not be any food shortage.

“Between the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development, the Central Bank and other private investors in agriculture, there’s enough grains in our own silos, in CBN and silos, that will cater for any eventualities and currently, the humanitarian ministry is picking up some grains from us to distribute to the needy. So I can assure you, by the grace of God, there will be no food shortage.”