The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed that over 30 per cent of farmlands in the Niger Delta region has been lost to this year’s ravaging floods.
Uduaghan, a senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Delta South Senatorial District in 2019 general elections, noted that the development poses great concern for the nation’s food sufficiency drive.
In a statement to commemorate the 2018 World Food Day on Tuesday, the former governor lamented that this year’s floodings had led to premature harvesting and destruction of farmlands including fish ponds in the country particularly in the oil-rich region. He decried that the situation will no doubt result in great losses to farmers but also negatively affect the already improving self-sufficiency food drive of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government. According to him, “Over 30 per cent of our farmlands have been overtaken by the floods, including fish ponds.
“As shown on AIT last night, some of the farmers have had to hurriedly harvest the immature farm produce, and are selling them at less than 40 per cent of their market value.
“Their future seems to be hopeless. As we mark the day, let us remember the losses and sufferings of these our farmers.”
Uduaghan stressed that as the country joined rest of world to mark the World Food Day, concerted efforts must be taken to address the plight of farmers over their lost.
The Delta State APC leader, however, called on government at all levels, corporate organisation and concerned individuals to assist the farmers who had lost their multi-millionaire investment to the floods.
“Whatever we can do individually, as organised groups, or as a government will go a long way in alleviating their plight”, Uduaghan added.