By Austin Ogwuda
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has lamented the effect of flooding across the country, noting that it is posing a great threat to food security.
He stated this while speaking during this year’s celebration of the World Food Day in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme said that flood had become a recurring decimal in Delta and most other states of the country.
“This made farmers not to be sure if they will have full economic benefits from their yearly activities in the area of cultivation of crops or engaging in fish farming.
The loss by farmers, as a result of flood, cannot be quantified as its psychological effects on our people is enormous. Our state, Delta, is listed among the States that will be affected by flood this year.
“As a government, this warning has become important, though, the State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA) and the State Flood Disaster Management Committee have put measures in place to mitigate the effects of flood on our people, should it occur.
“We shall work with other governmental agencies, organizations and individuals to tackle the challenges facing our farmers as we deliver on our M.O.R.E Agenda which was designed to advance Deltans positively in all spheres of life”, he stated.
He further noted with joy the high demand for agricultural produce from Delta State in different parts of the world, from oil palm, maize, cassava, yam, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, poultry and fish from both fresh water and brackish water to tapioca, spices, among other agricultural products and by-products. “We shall keep on encouraging our people with our programmes which focus on building resilient food system through improved agricultural practices, using flood-tolerant crop varieties, implementing soil and water conservation techniques and climate smart agriculture.
“There is a great potential to further expand our export capacity by utilizing our abundant water resources and arable land. This would help to create new jobs, contribute to economic growth and also improve food security. Therefore, the agricultural sector is one of the priority areas of my administration,”
