NEC fears poor harvest as flooding kills 205
The National Economic Council (NEC) expressed concerns over a potentially poor harvest due to widespread flooding across Nigeria. Governors Bala Mohammed and Abdullahi Sule highlighted the loss of lives and destruction of farmlands, especially in Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi states. The NEC urged affected states to submit damage reports and called for stronger food security measures. Bauchi Governor Mohammed noted the importance of collaboration between government tiers to address these challenges. Meanwhile, the flood committee was reformed, including governors and federal officials, to provide consistent intervention for flood-affected areas.
Source: Punch
Our Review
The widespread flooding in Nigeria, affecting 29 states and causing the loss of lives and destruction of homes and farmlands, is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the country’s agricultural sector. This has a ripple effect on the entire agricultural value chain, from crop production to distribution, and threatens food security. With farmland submerged, a reduced harvest is expected, placing further strain on food availability and pricing.
This news calls for urgent collaboration between federal, state governments, and international organizations to implement flood mitigation strategies. The reformation of the flood committee is a welcome step, as consistent interventions rather than ad-hoc solutions are crucial for preventing future disasters. Furthermore, the release of N3 billion by the federal government as palliative relief demonstrates commitment, but more substantial efforts are needed to protect farmlands and infrastructure.
For agribusiness professionals, this information is vital for making informed decisions regarding risk management, resource allocation, and planning for future agricultural seasons. The impact on harvests will affect supply chains, requiring adjustments in logistics, storage, and distribution to minimize post-harvest losses.
This calls for collective action to foster resilience and sustainable growth.
