FCTA warns farmers on minimizing effects of flooding

Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja

Following the devastating effects of flooding and erosion in the FCT which has adversely affected farming activities, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, has called on farmers in the territory, especially those on river banks to observe some basic practices that will help minimize the effect of flooding.

Sir Ohaa gave the warning in Kuje Area Council of the FCT during the flag-off of the sensitisation and distribution of agro inputs to farmers affected by flooding and erosion in the nation’s capital.

The permanent secretary strongly warned against building structures that will impede the free flow of water and in turn cause overflow of natural water channels and river banks.

“While we acknowledge the fact that erosion and flooding are natural phenomenon, findings have shown that farmers have engaged in activities without recourse to proper environmental assessment.

“Similarly, the arbitrary erection of structures by farmers has in most cases impeded the free flow of water resulting in overflow of natural water channels and river banks.

“Let me also emphasize at this point that there is the need for farmers to observe some basic practices that can help to minimize the effect of flooding, especially those on river banks in order to avoid any form of construction that will impede the flow of water.

“These include planting of cover crops such as legumes or vertiva grasses and allowing crop residues to remain on the soil instead of removing them after harvest,” said Ohaa

He disclosed that the FCTA has provided funding to the committee set up to address the issue of flooding, for the procurement of a variety of agricultural inputs to help farmers in rebuilding their lost investments.

Speaking further, he reiterated the FCT administration’s commitment to implementing innovative strategies that will support the growth of the agricultural sector in line with the policy thrust of the federal government to revitalize agriculture in Nigeria.

He also expressed optimism that the intervention will go a long way in alleviating the pains of farmers to enable them return to their farms with improved skills, well prepared in prevention, control and management of flood.

Seedlings such as rice, cowpea, cashew, teak and oil palm as well as poultry inputs including chicks and feeds where distributed to farmers at the event.