Minister of Agriculture Responds to Devastating Floods and Drought Affecting Farming Communities
August 27, 2024
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has expressed deep concern over the recent floods that have ravaged farming communities across Nigeria, as well as the drought that has further strained the agricultural sector. Despite these challenges, the Minister assured the nation that food security targets will still be met, thanks to intensified efforts in dry season farming.
Recent data from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) revealed that the floods have damaged thousands of hectares of farmland and displaced over 40,000 people. The destruction has hit rural farmers particularly hard, jeopardizing both their livelihoods and the nation’s agricultural output.
Senator Kyari acknowledged the significant impact of these natural disasters, stating, “As we witness the devastation caused by the recent flooding in our agricultural heartlands, my thoughts turn to the hardworking farmers whose livelihoods have been swept away by the unforgiving forces of nature.” He added that while the floods will affect this year’s anticipated harvest, the government remains hopeful that the overall impact on national food security will be minimal.
In addition to the flooding, the Minister also addressed the drought that has plagued several states, particularly in the North-Central, North-East, North-West, and South-West regions. This dry spell has compounded the difficulties faced by farmers, leading to substantial crop losses.
Senator Kyari emphasized that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture. He highlighted the importance of investing in technologies and practices that empower farmers to adapt to unpredictable weather patterns. “By embracing smart agriculture and harnessing the potential of early maturing seeds, the country can pave the way for a more sustainable and secure future for the agricultural sector,” Kyari noted.
To offset the losses from the flooding and drought, the Minister announced that the government will place greater emphasis on the 2024/2025 dry season farming. He revealed that his ministry is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to expand the areas under cultivation during the dry season. “We have already constituted a committee between the staff of the two ministries and key players, working on ways to achieve the objectives of increasing food production through dry season farming,” Kyari explained.
The Minister called on all citizens to support farmers, states, and local governments in their efforts to recover from these disasters. “Together, we will weather this storm, and together, we will emerge stronger, united in our commitment to stand with our farmers today and always,” he concluded.
This reassurance from the Minister of Agriculture comes at a critical time, as the nation grapples with the dual challenges of floods and drought. The government’s proactive measures and focus on dry season farming offer hope for mitigating the impact on food security and ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
