Despite harvest, food prices remain high in Taraba

Despite the ongoing harvest season in Taraba State, food prices have not dropped significantly, unlike in previous years. Farmers began harvesting crops like yam, cassava, maize, and groundnut in early July, but prices remain high. For example, a 100 kg bag of groundnut is now sold at ₦60,000, double the price from last year, and a large tuber of yam costs between ₦4,000 and ₦4,300, compared to ₦2,000 last year.
The poor harvest of yam, attributed to severe heat damaging the seeds, has led to scarcity and increased prices. Similar price hikes are seen in maize, cassava, melon seeds, and sesame, with a 100 kg bag of maize now costing ₦54,000, up from ₦29,000 last year.
Farmers blame the high prices on the increased cost of farm inputs, like weed chemicals and fertilizers, as well as transportation costs. Additionally, middlemen from other states purchasing crops in Taraba’s rural markets are also driving up prices.
Source: Daily Trust

Our Review
The persistent high prices of foodstuffs in Taraba State, despite the ongoing harvest, reflect deeper challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. Factors such as poor harvests due to extreme weather conditions, increased costs of farm inputs, and rising transportation expenses have significantly impacted farmers’ productivity and profitability. Additionally, the influx of middlemen from other states, driven by market dynamics, further exacerbates the price situation.
For agribusiness professionals, these developments highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to stabilize food prices and support farmers. Strategic measures, such as subsidies for farm inputs, improved access to affordable transportation, and enhanced storage facilities, could help mitigate the impact of these challenges. Furthermore, investment in climate-resilient farming practices is essential to reduce the vulnerability of crops to adverse weather conditions.
This situation also calls for better coordination among stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of harvest periods are fully realized, thereby promoting food security and economic stability. For decision-makers, understanding these dynamics is crucial for crafting policies that foster growth and resilience in the agricultural sector.