The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar had yesterday dismissed a rumor that Nigeria may experience a food supply shortage in the incoming months and years when the drastic measure is not taken. The Minister was responding to questions from lawmakers yesterday during a budget defense of his ministry before the National Assembly. In a separate submission, some of the lawmakers expressed concern, especially in recent times as the flood is taking over most of the farmlands and villages in Nigeria.
The lawmakers premised their concerns amidst prediction by some experts that the world may experience hunger in the coming months and years if no meaningful intervention is taken against the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war that is threatening the peace of the world as grain supply to the world is greatly affected.
However, in his reaction, the Minister said, “The main concern about food scarcity, in the coming months, we’ll not allow that to happen, I can guarantee you by the Grace of God because we have measures in place.
He suggested that one of the measures by his Ministry is to support and encourage dry season farming which his Ministry and that of finance have concluded to sponsor in collaboration with the AFDB.
He explained that his Ministry was already conducting an impact assessment of the flooding with the view of establishing the extent of damage the crops have suffered and the number of farmers affected.
Though, he revealed that the Ministry of Humanitarian and Disaster Management was the first point of call if such a natural disaster occurs while acknowledging their response so far as most of the affected flood victims were receiving attention from the Federal Government.
