Irrigation farmers struggle as cost of inputs soar

Irrigation farmers in Taraba State are struggling to sustain their livelihoods amid rising production costs and declining grain prices. Many farmers who spoke with Daily Trust in Jalingo lamented that they now have to sell two 200kg bags of paddy rice or maize just to purchase a single 50kg bag of fertiliser. The former president […]

Irrigation farmers in Taraba State are struggling to sustain their livelihoods amid rising production costs and declining grain prices.

Many farmers who spoke with Daily Trust in Jalingo lamented that they now have to sell two 200kg bags of paddy rice or maize just to purchase a single 50kg bag of fertiliser.

The former president of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in the state, Tanko Bobbo Andami, said the escalating cost of agricultural inputs has placed farmers under severe pressure. He explained that farmers are forced to sell between two and three bags of paddy rice or maize in order to afford just one bag of fertiliser.

According to him, the combination of low produce prices and high input costs has compelled many farmers to abandon irrigation farming this season.

Andami stated that the price of a bag of urea currently ranges between N45,000 and N50,000, while a bag of NPK fertiliser sells for about N40,000, depending on the brand.

He added that despite the rising cost of farm inputs, the prices of agricultural produce have remained low.

Findings at Iware market on Wednesday showed that a 100kg bag of maize sold for N16,000, while in more remote areas, prices were even lower.

Another irrigation farmer, Lawal Suleiman, disclosed that he reduced his cultivated land from seven hectares to just two this season. He attributed the decision to unfavourable produce prices and the increasing cost of farm inputs.

Suleiman said engaging in irrigation farming has become a risky venture, as farmers are uncertain whether they will secure favourable prices at harvest.

He further explained that due to low produce prices, farmers are compelled to sell several bags of paddy rice or maize just to purchase a few bags of fertilisers and chemicals required for dry-season farming.

He added that the high cost of petrol and diesel also poses a significant risk to farmers’ capital and profitability if adequate precautions are not taken.

Suleiman accused the federal government of deliberately undermining farming through unfavourable policies.

According to him, farmers receive little or no support or incentives, while the government grants waivers for food imports, which further depress local produce prices.

Daily Trust findings revealed that irrigation farming activities across Taraba State have dropped significantly this year.

A farmer, Mallam Sale Binnari, from Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, said the number of farmers coming from other states to engage in irrigation farming in Taraba has declined.

Binnari attributed the decline to the crash in produce prices and the high cost of farm inputs, which have discouraged farmers from engaging in irrigation farming this season.