Insecurity impedes sugarcane farming, triggers price rise in Niger
Farmers and market participants in Niger State, particularly in Munya and Shiroro Local Government Areas, have attributed the rising cost of sugarcane to escalating insecurity and input costs, resulting in a price surge for consumers. Insecurity has severely impacted farming activities, causing many farmers to abandon their fields due to frequent attacks by bandits. Additionally, the high cost of inputs such as fertilizers, water-pumping machines, and fuel has forced farmers to increase the price of sugarcane to cover expenses.
Farmers like Haruna Kabiru explained that the insecurity and input costs have left them with no choice but to charge more for their produce, noting that while demand remains high, production has dropped due to safety concerns. Wholesalers and retailers have similarly raised prices, citing the increased cost of transportation and labor. Despite the government’s efforts to improve sugarcane farming through partnerships with companies like Uttham Sucrotech International, Rite Foods Ltd, and Legacy Sugar Company Ltd, local farmers express frustration with the lack of tangible support, calling for more direct interventions, especially in ensuring security.
The Niger State government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three companies to establish six sugar mills in the state, spanning 148,000 hectares of land. The project promises to provide economic benefits, including the creation of out-grower schemes, job opportunities, and production of ethanol, cattle feed, and power. However, farmers urge that the government’s commitment should extend beyond signing MoUs to implementing practical support measures to boost productivity and safeguard farmers.
Source: Dailytrust
Expert Review for Agri-food Stakeholders
The rising price of sugarcane in Niger State is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector, particularly in regions impacted by insecurity. Insecurity, coupled with high input costs (fertilizers, fuel for irrigation, and transportation), has hampered production, creating a significant supply-demand imbalance. Agri-food stakeholders should recognize the critical need for security interventions to ensure that farmers can operate safely, which will directly contribute to stabilizing production and prices.
Moreover, while government agreements with private companies are promising steps toward boosting local production, tangible benefits to farmers are yet to be seen. Stakeholders should advocate for direct support measures, such as subsidized inputs, improved infrastructure, and security provision. This is essential for transforming MoUs into practical outcomes that increase productivity, empower farmers, and reduce reliance on sugar imports.
The sugarcane project in Niger State, which includes the development of sugar mills and ethanol production, presents a significant opportunity to enhance value addition in the sugarcane value chain. If successfully implemented, the project could help Nigeria reduce its dependence on imported sugar, improve farmers’ income, and create job opportunities in rural areas. However, a sustainable approach will require continuous monitoring of government and private sector commitments, as well as the provision of adequate support to farmers to ensure their participation in the out-grower schemes.
