Mokwa: The Niger Government has called on farmers to insure their farms against potential disasters following recent floods that have severely impacted farmlands in the state. Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, the Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, made this recommendation during an on-the-spot assessment of flood-affected farms in Mokwa Local Government Area.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bawa-Bosso, represented by Dr. Mathew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized that insuring farms would offer farmers financial protection and support during crises. He highlighted that disasters such as floods, droughts, and pests could lead to significant losses for farmers, as witnessed in the recent events. By securing insurance, farmers would be eligible for financial compensation, aiding in their recovery and allowing them to continue their agricultural activities.
The flood was attributed to excess water released from Kainji and Jebba dams, a situation compounded by climate change. Bawa-Bosso reassured farmers that the floodwaters were expected to recede within five days. He also mentioned that extension agents would be tasked with collecting data on affected farmers to facilitate possible government intervention. Additionally, the state government plans to connect affected farmers with the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) for further assistance.
Alhaji Mohammed Baba, the Managing Director of Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA), also addressed the farmers, urging them to participate in the Niger Foods Project. He explained that this initiative would enable farmers to access inputs on credit, which they could repay at harvest, thereby enhancing their production capabilities.
Earlier, Alhaji Mahmudu Usman, known as the ‘Etsu yankpa’ of Kusogi village, revealed that the flood had devastated approximately 300,000 hectares of rice farms, resulting in losses worth billions of Naira. Usman noted that both indigenous and non-indigenous farmers across more than 25 villages in the Kede Community were affected. He appealed to the state government for assistance, as the farmers’ livelihoods are heavily dependent on their farms.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that floodwaters, reportedly released from Kainji and Jebba dams, have submerged numerous farmlands across at least ten communities, causing extensive damage.