Flood victims in Kogi State have received 50 trailer loads of grains from the Federal Government.
The donation which is a measure aimed at reducing the mitigating effects of the recent flood, was disclosed by Engr. Sunday Ejigbo, the Regional Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture who represented the Minister of Agriculture in Lokoja.
The Minister reassured that with 8.1 million metric tones which is more than the 20,000 metric tones projected for each year, the nation has enough food in stock, adding that the flood will not create food scarcity.
Towards encouraging farmers, small and medium scale businesses, the Minister said the Federal Government has approved a one digit interest on loans in 2013.
Similarly, the Federal Government, the Minister explained through its four components strategy which has to do with release of food items, planting materials, procurement of fertilizers and procurement of irrigation water pump, the Federal Government he disclosed is doing much to reduce the impact of the flood.
Also, the Federal Government according to the Minister gave a bag of NPK, Urea fertilizers, and a 50kg of rice free as a first step policy to assist farmers.
The Minister said the items were subsidized at 50% and 25%, by the Federal and State Government respectively thus making the farmers to only pay 25% for the cost of the three bags of fertilizers.
In his speech, Capt. Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor, described the flood as devastating adding that the loss from the flood in the State was enormous.
Represented by his Deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, the State Government he noted has paid its counterpart fund under the Growth Enhancement Support Programme for the wet season farming.
Capt. Idris Wada commended the efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and well meaning individuals and organization for coming to the aid of the State.
He assured that the grains which will be given free of charge will get to those intended through an equitable distribution policy.
Earlier in his speech, Dr. Femi Bolarin, Commissioner for Agriculture said 600,000 persons were affected by the flood.
While describing the flood as a distraction due to the devastating effects, said Capt. Idris Wada, remains committed to the well being of the people.
He disclosed that the State in its bid to attain transformation agenda using Agriculture has gone into collaboration with UNDP, 2SCALES NGO and other international organization.
