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

The Minister of Agriculture
and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina,
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.

“His
Excellency has also approved the sum of N9.7 billion to implement this plan
nationwide. The plan has four components: the release and distribution of food
items; distribution of planting materials to farmers.

“Other
components include procurement and distribution of fertiliser to farmers at
highly subsidised rate and procurement of small scale irrigation water pumps
for offshore farming,” he said.

Adesina
said Cross River would receive 1,200 tonnes adding that the breakdown showed
thus : ‘Garri 30 tonnes, Grains (1,170 tonnes).’

He
said : “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. Anyone caught will be prosecuted.’’