Flooding: Ogbeh says there might be rice shortage in 2019

Audu Ogbeh, minister of agriculture and rural development, the country may experience rice shortage if appropriate measures are not taken to replant after the recent flood.

NAN reports that Ogbeh made this statement in Abuja on Thursday at the inauguration of National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) Molecular Facility and the 2018 seed fair and Farmer’s field day.

He said that the flood had affected some major rice producing states, adding that the country might experience scarcity of rice, if not addressed.

“We have to find out a way to assist farmers, who were affected by the flood; places like Jigawa, Kebbi, Anambra and Kogi were majorly affected. Farmers lost everything they planted,” he said.

“There are different varieties of rice that are being produced at NASC like faro 66 and 67 which are flood tolerant.

“We hope to get them into the field in large quantity for farmers to plant in the near future.

“We are also hoping that as soon as the rain seized, we are encouraging farmers to replant so that the residual moisture on the soil plus irrigation can give us another crop by the end of December or early January.

“Otherwise, we will be in serious trouble for rice, millet, sorghum and maize next year.”

Philip Ojo, NASC director-general, says the events are geared towards creating awareness about improved seeds to farmers.

“I wish to state categorically that improved seed use is the most cost-effective means of enhancing agricultural productivity,” Ojo said.

“It is important to inform you all that between the 2017 and 2018, a lot of successes have been achieved in the Nigerian Seed industry.

“NASC collaborations with other stakeholders have started yielded positive results such as the NASC Molecular Facility that will soon be inaugurated.

“The facility which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation under the BASICS Programme will help in the development of the Cassava Seed System in the country and enhance productivity.”

The director-general appealed for more support from the state governors in order to step up the agency’s regulatory activities to rid the market of fake and adulterated seeds.

Fake seeds confiscated by the council were burnt by the minister, during the event.