Mechanisation Is Luxury For Rural Farmers

A female graduate farmer from Ogun State, Ms. Ruth Bose Suberu, highlighted the disparity in agricultural mechanization, labeling it as a luxury inaccessible to rural farmers. She underscored the absence of tractors and irrigation systems in farming areas as significant hurdles. Suberu also outlined challenges faced by female farmers, including limited access to loans for expansion due to high interest rates and stringent collateral requirements. Climate unpredictability and rising input prices further exacerbate farming difficulties. Labor shortages and urban migration contribute to workforce challenges, while foreign exchange fluctuations drive up input costs, particularly fertilizers. Suberu urged government intervention to alleviate these issues, advocating for grants and loans to enhance food production. She also noted the escalating fuel prices affecting farmers with irrigation capabilities. Source: Daily Trust

OUR REVIEW
Ms. Ruth Bose Suberu’s insights shed light on critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, impacting the entire value chain. The lack of mechanization, coupled with insufficient irrigation infrastructure, hampers productivity and efficiency, affecting farmers’ ability to meet demand. Limited access to loans and escalating input costs exacerbate these challenges, hindering expansion and profitability. Climate unpredictability further threatens crop yields, necessitating adaptive strategies. Labor shortages and urban migration pose workforce challenges, impeding farm operations. Foreign exchange fluctuations compound the issue by driving up input costs. Suberu’s call for government intervention underscores the need for policy support to address these systemic issues, including grants and loans to bolster food production. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering growth, ensuring food security, and sustaining livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.