Gombe Wheat Farmers Decry High Cost Of Inputs

Wheat farmers in Gombe State are struggling due to rising fuel prices, making it harder to afford things like machinery, irrigation, and transportation. This increases production costs and reduces profits. A farmer named Malam Kawu Sa’idu says he had to cut down his planting area because of these rising costs. Farmers are also having trouble finding buyers for their wheat at a good price. In the past, they’ve had to travel long distances to sell their crop. However, there is some hope. The All-Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) is providing farmers with subsidized inputs and connecting them with flour mills willing to buy their wheat at a fair price. The government is also looking into solutions for the high fuel costs, such as providing solar water pumps.
Source: Daily Trust

OUR REVIEW
The struggles of wheat farmers in Gombe State due to rising fuel prices highlight significant issues within the agri-food value chain in Nigeria. These increased costs affect machinery, irrigation, and transportation, leading to higher production expenses and reduced profits. Malam Kawu Sa’idu’s experience of reducing his planting area exemplifies the widespread impact on productivity. Additionally, the lack of a local market forces farmers to incur further expenses by transporting their crops to distant locations.

The intervention by the All-Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) offers a beacon of hope. By providing subsidized inputs and linking farmers with flour mills, AFAN helps stabilize the market and ensures farmers receive fair prices. Moreover, the government’s consideration of solar water pumps could mitigate high fuel costs, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Addressing these challenges can enhance the entire agri-food value chain by reducing costs, increasing profitability, and ensuring market access. These measures will foster informed decision-making and drive growth in the sector.