Respite for Sokoto residents as farmers begin millet harvest

Millet, which is the most staple crop among farmers across Sokoto, is currently being harvested in many areas of the state. The price of millet have hit N450 per measure up from N200, in Sokoto, the state capital. But resident here and elsewhere are optimistic the price will soon crash. Localities such as Tsamiya and […]

Millet, which is the most staple crop among farmers across Sokoto, is currently being harvested in many areas of the state.
The price of millet have hit N450 per measure up from N200, in Sokoto, the state capital. But resident here and elsewhere are optimistic the price will soon crash.
Localities such as Tsamiya and Tureta in Tureta Local Government; Wurno, Gwadabawa, Isa, Sabon Birni and Tangaza, are already in harvest time.
The farmers attribute the prompt growth of the crop in the areas to the ample rain that was recorded during the 2016 rainy season which has made them hopeful of a bumper harvest.
A farmer, Musa Dange, in Dange Shuni Local Government said, “Millet is the first crop most farmers in this area plant during the first rain of every year and it is the first to be harvested after which sorghum and beans follow.”
However, some areas in Sokoto are yet to commence harvest of their millet. Farmers in such areas say the challenge was the late arrival of rainfall in their areas and their inability to get fertiliser on time.
According to a farmer, Maidamma Marnona, “We faced difficulty before getting fertiliser due to some bottlenecks but things are getting better now.”
The farmers said delayed rain and fertiliser affected early harvest and contributed to the increase in the price of millet.
Millet is popular in the state because it is used in making the famous ‘fura taken with nono (yoghurt) and ‘tuwo’.
 It is therefore always in high demand compared to other crops such as guinea corn and maize.
Due to the prevailing high cost of millet, fura da nono sellers have correspondingly reduced the quantity they offer for same price.
Some consumers are, however hopeful that the price of millet would soon crash with the price of the crop currently being harvested.
A grains seller in Dange, Malam Mode, noted that, “By the time farmers harvest the crop, price must surely come down, especially now that the harvest has commenced in some areas of the local government.”
Among the local government areas where millet is noted to be produced on a large scale are Tambuwal, Dange Shuni, Tureta, Wurno and Silame.
Explaining  the millet farming process, one of the farmers, Musa Dange, said it was ready for harvest three month from the day it was planted, except when  drought affects its cultivation, then the  system changed from three months to about four months period of growth.”
He explained that: “After planting, millet enjoys the farming activity called ‘turbe’ when the farmland is cleared of all types of weeds to allow it enjoy space and uninterrupted growth.
“After about a month, another farming activity commences called ‘mai mai’ which is repeating the process. This is also aimed at clearing any unwanted weed that may pose danger to the growth of the crop.”
Dange added that “As the activity of tending and pruning continues, fertiliser is applied to facilitate the growth of the crop for harvest. By the time the crop reaches three months from the time it was planted and with adequate rainfall, it is ready for harvest.
“Farmers then cut down the stems and put them out to dry before tying them in bundles for the onward journey to granaries,” he said.