Dry Season: Kano Rice Farmers Decry High Cost Of Inputs
As dry season rice farming preparations commence in Kano State and other regions, farmers express concerns over the soaring costs of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers. Many contemplate reducing land usage or skipping rice cultivation altogether due to financial constraints. While some farmers have begun transplanting, others remain in the nursery stage or are undecided about participation.
Veteran farmer Malam Hussain Kabiru plans to utilize only 40% of his land due to inflated input prices. Fertilizer costs have skyrocketed, with UREA reaching N40,000 per bag compared to its former N9,000. Shehu Mustapha Dorawa emphasizes the need for support to meet rice demand but laments the prohibitive input costs hindering production.
Alhaji Abdulrasheed Magaji Rimingado of AFAN seeks solutions, securing loans and engaging rice mills as paddy buyers. He criticizes the flawed implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and advocates for transparent, farmer-centric initiatives like NAGs-AP to support rice production sustainably. Source: Daily Trust
OUR REVIEW
The escalating costs of agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers, pose significant challenges to dry-season rice farming in Kano State and beyond. Farmers confront tough choices, considering reducing land usage or skipping cultivation due to financial constraints. This situation threatens food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Malam Hussain Kabiru’s decision to utilize only 40% of his land underscores the severity of the issue. Fertilizer prices have surged, rendering farming financially unviable for many. Shehu Mustapha Dorawa highlights the urgent need for support to bridge the gap in rice production.
Alhaji Abdulrasheed Magaji Rimingado’s efforts to secure loans and engage rice mills demonstrate proactive measures to address the crisis. Advocating for transparent initiatives like NAGs-AP is crucial for sustainable agricultural development and ensuring farmer welfare.
