Farmers in Etche Local
Government Area of Rivers State have  become apprehensive over the listing of the area amongst places in Rivers State that may be affected by flooding.
The farmers express fear that the effect of the flooding on their farm crops might be very devastating considering the experience of farmers in  last year’s flooding.
Chief Isreal Nwankwo told The Tide in Okehi that, “if one moves to the high land area as being advised by the Ministry of Special Duties, what would happen to the farms.”
Nwankwo who specialises in yam and cassava farming expressed fear that the flooding might lead to a setback to farmers in the area.
Another farmer, Charity Akujobi said it would lead to shortage of food in the state.
“You know Etche is the food basket of Rivers State, so anything that affects farming business in Etche would have a far-reading effect on the state’s food situation,” she said.
“The lady farmer who said she specialises in cassava farming also said, “apart from Etche, other local government areas in the state that involve in active farming businesses were also listed. This poses a great danger,” she remarked.
Another farmer, Justice Chinonye who responded noted that the situation would lead to food scarcity and increase in prices of food stuffs.
Chinonye who hails from Okehi  advised that there should be more involvement in late farming so that what comes later could argument the expected damage done to farmers by the flooding and called on government to initiate measures that could cushion the effects of  flooding.