Flood Resistant Rice Out Soon – Minister

The Federal Government is partnering with the International
Rice Research Institute in the Philippines towards the introduction of flood
resistant rice in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adeshina, stated
this in Ilorin on Sunday after a visit to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara at the
Government House.

The minister was in the state to inspect farms destroyed by
flood in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the federal government would also distribute to
farmers free of charge, high yielding maize seedlings that can mature in 60
days.

He added that the government was making provision for other
high yielding and flood resistant seedlings.

According to Adeshina, the gesture is to ensure that the
current devastation of farmlands across the country by floods, does not lead to
food scarcity.

He sympathised with the government and people of the state
on the incident.

The minister attributed the floods to climate change, saying
that the federal government has taken measures to deal with the situation.

Ahmed, in his response, appreciated the visit and solicited
greater involvement of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in
providing succour to the affected people.

Our correspondent recalls that the flood had affected over
70 communities in Patigi Local Government Area and submerged 16 villages in the
state.