The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says at least 2,790 hectares of farmlands in the Nguru local government area of Yobe were destroyed by flood.

Madu Tandari, AFAN chairman in the area, told journalists in Nguru town that 1,500 hectares were used for rice cultivation.

Mr Tandari added that other crops destroyed on the remaining 1,290 hectares of the land include maize, sesame, millet, tomatoes, pepper and bell pepper.

“In a rice farm, you can harvest about 50 bags on each hectare if all conditions are met. So, you can imagine the magnitude of this disaster,” Mr Tandari explained.

The chairman further disclosed that 934 farmers were affected by the flood, allegedly caused by the release of water from the Tiga Dam in Kano.

He listed the areas worst hit by the flood as Nguru town, Dogon Kuka, Dumsai, Gajamma, Disari, Bambori, Kachallari and Dogon Jeji.

He appealed to the state and federal governments to assist farmers in the area to cushion the losses they recorded.

“As the dry season sets in, we are appealing to the government at all levels to support us with seeds, water pumps, fertiliser and soft loans,” stated the AFAN chair. “If this support can be provided, we will shift the focus to dry season farming to make up for our losses.”

(NAN)