I earn N5m annually from sugarcane – Farmer
Alhaji Magaji Alhaji Jalo, a farmer from Sabindo village in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, shared that he spends around N2.5 million on cultivating sugarcane, from which he earns up to N5 million by the end of the season. He mentioned that Sabindo village is known for being the leading producer of sugarcane in Gombe State, with most villagers engaged in farming sugarcane and maize.
Despite their success, Magaji noted that they have never received any government support, such as fertilizers or other farming inputs. He highlighted the lack of basic amenities in their village, including electricity, boreholes, and hospitals. For their dry-season farming, they rely on quickly depleting groundwater, which forces them to dig boreholes. He urged the government to provide support in the form of affordable fertilizers, financial aid, and irrigation facilities to help them increase their farming capacity.
Source: Daily Trust
Our Review
Alhaji Magaji Alhaji Jalo’s experience in Gombe State illustrates both the potential and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His ability to generate substantial income from sugarcane farming, despite the lack of government support, highlights the resilience and productivity of local farmers. However, the absence of essential infrastructure, such as irrigation facilities, electricity, and healthcare, limits their capacity to scale operations and achieve greater economic impact.
For the value chain, improving access to government support—such as subsidies for fertilizers, financial aid, and irrigation systems—could significantly boost productivity and income for farmers like Alhaji Magaji. These enhancements would also stabilize supply chains, reduce production costs, and potentially lead to lower prices for consumers. Additionally, addressing infrastructure gaps is crucial for sustaining agricultural growth and ensuring that farming communities can thrive.
For decision-makers, this case underscores the importance of targeted interventions in rural agricultural communities to unlock their full potential. By investing in critical infrastructure and providing direct support to farmers, Nigeria can enhance food security, increase agricultural exports, and drive economic growth.
