WE MAY ABANDON DRY SEASON FARMING NIGERIAN FARMERS CRY OUT AS GRAIN PRICES CRASH
Mohammed Tikka
Farmers across Nigeria are crying out over the big drop in the prices of grains like maize, millet, and rice. They say the low prices are putting them in serious trouble and may stop many from planting again next year or even doing dry season farming.
Many of them borrowed money or used their savings to buy fertilizer, seeds, fuel, and to pay workers during this year’s farming. But now, they are selling their grains for prices that are far less than what they spent.
Even though the lower food prices may help Nigerians who are struggling to buy food, the farmers say they are suffering badly. They say they spent a lot of money to grow these crops, but now they are losing money and may not be able to continue.
“Yes, we are happy that food is becoming cheaper for the people,” said Mal. Musa Mai Shayi, a farmer from Lau in Taraba State. “But what about us, the farmers? We spent so much on farming this year, and now we are selling our crops at a loss. It’s very painful.”
He added, “I’m not even thinking of next year. I can’t even plan for dry season farming because I don’t have money. I can’t afford fuel for irrigation or buy more seeds. I lost everything this season.”
Farmers say the cost of farming stayed high
things like fuel, fertilizer, and transport, but the price of their grains dropped. This has left them stuck with high expenses and very little income.
Bala Mai Jolli, a farmer from Sabongari, said the situation is heartbreaking. “some people borrowed money from banks or friends to farm, thinking they would pay back after harvest. But look at the market now, our grains are being bought for next to nothing,” he said. “This is enough to make any farmer lose hope.”
Another farmer, Manu Shagari from Anguwan Sahabi in Jalingo, said the low prices are making farmers poorer. “We are the ones feeding the country, but now we are suffering. Everything we used to farm was expensive, but we are selling our crops for cheap. How can we survive?” he said. “If the government doesn’t help us, many farmers will just stop farming.”
The farmers are begging the government to help, either by helping to increase grain prices, buying from farmers directly, or giving them emergency support. They warn that if nothing is done soon, many farmers will give up, and this could cause a big food shortage in the country.
“This is not just our problem,” said Bala. “If farmers stop farming, the whole country will suffer. We need help, and we need it now.”