How sesame, melon farmers made fortunes in Taraba

Despite disrupted rainfall in Taraba State, sesame and melon farmers experienced a bumper harvest. These drought-resistant crops, planted as a cash alternative before other crops are harvested, thrived even with less rainfall. The high demand and favorable prices have led more farmers to focus on these crops. Ibrahim Yakubu noted that prices surged in 2021, with 100kg bags of sesame and melon reaching N110,000 and N80,000, respectively. This year, prices have risen to N114,000 and N67,000. Although farmers enjoyed a successful harvest, concerns about food security arise from a shift towards cash crops over essential food crops.
Source: Daily Trust

Our Review
The recent bumper harvest of sesame and melon in Taraba State, despite rainfall disruptions, underscores the resilience and adaptability of these cash crops in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Sesame and melon have proven to be valuable alternatives for farmers, offering lucrative returns and stable income even amidst challenging weather conditions.
Sesame and melon’s drought-resistant nature allows them to thrive where other crops falter, providing farmers with a dependable source of revenue. With prices reaching N114,000 for a 100kg bag of sesame and N67,000 for melon, these crops have become increasingly attractive, contributing significantly to farmers’ incomes and reinvestment opportunities.
However, the trend towards cash crops at the expense of food crops raises concerns about food security. The shift away from staple crops like maize and rice could exacerbate food shortages and impact local food supply chains. As highlighted by farmer Mustapha Sule, there’s a pressing need for a balanced approach to agriculture, ensuring that the production of cash crops does not undermine food security.
This situation calls for informed decision-making in farm management, encouraging a diversification strategy that supports both cash and food crops. By addressing these dynamics, stakeholders can foster sustainable growth and stability within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.