SRI Plans Food Storage

In order to play a leading role in times of
emergencies of the likes of the recent flooding which ravaged parts of the
state, the management has of the Songhai Rivers Initiative (SRI) taken
proactive steps in that direction.

Giving
the hint while speaking to our correspondent yesterday, the communications
officer of SRI, Mr. Gabriel Epelle said that as soon as news about the flood
was made public, the SRI swung into action and began planning to ensure proper
handling of the crisis in the state.

“The
management of Songhai Rivers Initiative met and decided that apart from
tackling the immediate problem caused by the flood, plans should be put in top
gear to reserve enough food stuffs should a crisis of this nature happens
again,” he said.

Mr
Epelle said that the SRI has since began stock-piling up food stuff and a large
store house was on ground were garri and some other food stuff and crops are
stored.

On
action so far taken by the SRI for farmers in the state that were affected by
the flood, the SRI spokesman said provision has been made for cassava cuttings
and seedlings which the farmers can buy at subsidised rate to enable them
replant soonest.

He
said although much was expected on their immediate roles in terms of charity at
the height of the flooding, Mr Epelle said the organisation was barely two
years old and would get to that level soonest.

“We
would get to that stage in the future by the grace of God. We must not forget
that the organisation is barely two years old.

“What we can do in the time being is to sell
cassava cuttings and seedlings to farmers so that they can get back to
farming,” he said.