Agency wants disaster master plan
FOLLOWING predictions in some quarters that the country may witness food shortage next year, after the flooding that destroyed many farmlands in the country, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has said it would embark on emergency food production.
Meanwhile, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has called for the development of Flood Emergency Master Plan for the flood plains in Nigeria.
Director General (DG) of the Agency, Saıdu Mohammed, who made the call at the second ARCSSTE-E yearly lecture organised bythe agency yesterday in Abuja, called for a comprehensive mapping and inventory of allflood plains in Nigeria for proper planning, awareness and enlightenment of flood prone communities in the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, told the journalists that the ministry had already procured early maturing maize variety that would be ready for harvest within 60 days of planting, and would cultivate 8000 hectares of land.
He maintained that the seeds had been procured and would be distributed for farmers to plant immediately the flood rescinded.
Adesina also disclosed that the ministry had also procured flood tolerant rice variety, which could exist under submerged condition for 21 days, and continue to grow even after they were submerged.
He said the varieties were ordered from Bangladesh and India, adding that the government was also working with International Institute for Rice Research in Philippines, so as to get improved rice varieties
He further disclosed that the ministry has also secured seed capable of producing 36,000 metric tones of rice within the period.
that's a marvellous initiative.Nigeria would be a happy place if there is enough food for all to eat
The should carry on with it immediately.
Nigerians can't wait to see that
Thats a very laudable step but do we have to wait till time of crises before we put this type of things into place?