Date: 2012-11-23

The federal government has approved the sum of N9.7 billion to the 'national flood recovery food production plan' nationwide, it was learnt yesterday.

Under the fund, government also plans to distribute a total of 40,000 metric tonnes of food items to the victims of the recent flood in the country.

The food items which according to the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina would be distributed from Nigeria's strategic grain reserve silos include maize, sorghum, garri and millet.

According to Adesina while flagging off of the distribution of the food relief materials to affected families in Ilorin, Kwara state, Cross Rivers State "will receive a total of 1,200 metric tonnes of assorted food items.

The minister who was represented by the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kwara state office, Mr. Buhari Adebisi said: "In order to alleviate the problem of the flood victims, the president through the federal ministry of agriculture and rural development has put in place a national flood recovery food production plan.

The goal is to ensure that the immediate food security needs of the areas affected by the flood are addressed, and then double up production in areas that are not affected by floods, to ensure that our national food security is not threatened.

"The components of the plan include the release and distribution of food items; distribution of planting materials to farmers; procurement and distribution of fertilizer to farmers at highly subsidized rate and procurement of small scale irrigation water pumps for off-season farming.

"The flag off which is taking place nationwide signals the commencement of food relief. These items are distributed free of charge and must not be sold. Any one caught will be prosecuted. The following states will pick their consignment here in Ilorin Silo Complex; Kogi, Kano, Kwara and Bauchi.

"The president had earlier approved the sum of N17.6 billion for the affected states to address the immediate challenges of displaced families on food, sanitation, health and housing and has further put in place emergency measures that will reduce the impact of the flood on displaced farmers, allow them get back on their feet to return to their farms as soon as possible."