FG releases grains to flood-affected victims in 8 states

The Federal Government on Monday directed the release of grains to flood-affected victims in eight states, from the 25,000 tonne Strategic Grains Reserve in Okuku, Cross River.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said at the inauguration of the distribution of the food items in Yala LGA, that the consignment was meant for Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta, Ebonyi and Benue states.

He said that the exercise was part of the Federal Government resolve to distribute a total of 40,000 tonnes of food items from the strategic grains reserve silos across the country to the affected people.

``The flood situation presents a huge challenge on food security in many parts of the country, including Cross River. Farmlands have been washed away, farmers have been displaced and their food security has been compromised.

''But let me assure you that the Federal Government is taking all measures to mitigate the impact of the flood.

''We will not have food crisis, we will not have famine. We will recover from the flood,'' he said.

He said that President Jonathan had approved N17.6 billion for the affected states nationwide, saying that the money was :''to address the immediate challenges of displaced families on food, sanitation, health and housing.

``He has further put in place emergency measures that will reduce the impact of flood on displaced farmers, allow them to get back on their feet to return to their farms as soon as possible,'' Adesina said.

The minister, who was represented on the occasion by Mr Martins Odey, Regional Director, South South, in the ministry, said the items included maize, sorghum, garri, assorted grains and millet.

Adesina said the federal government through its ministry of agriculture, had inaugurated a national food Recovery Food Production Plan to ensure that the immediate food security needs of the areas affected by flood were addressed.

He said the initiative was also intended to ''double up production in areas that are not affected by floods, to ensure that our national food security is not threatened.

Source:Guardian