Rice and Maize Farmers Face Losses Due to Low Prices in Taraba

Farmers in Taraba State have experienced losses due to a decline in the price of agricultural products, particularly rice and corn. Research...

Farmers in Taraba State have experienced losses due to a decline in the price of agricultural products, particularly rice and corn.

Research indicated that rice and maize farmers could barely recover more than half of their investment in farming due to the low prices observed in Taraba markets.

Yau Aliyu, a local farmer based in Jalingo town, shared with our reporter that he spent N1,400,000 on his maize farm from planting to harvesting, but only managed to collect 30 bags of 100kg each.

He mentioned that at the current price of N20,000 per bag, his earnings from selling 30 bags would be only N600,000.

He reported a loss of N800,000, stating that the low cost of maize has hindered his plans to start irrigation farming this season.

"I don't have the funds to invest in irrigation farming this season, and the loss I incurred after harvest sends the wrong message about farming activities since it is no longer financially viable," he said.

Another farmer, Nuhu Dauda, from the Mutum Biyu region within the Gassol Local Government Area, shared with Daily Trust that his success came from melon seeds and soya beans, which he harvested and sold for a profit.

He mentioned, however, that he only understood forty percent of what he invested in his rice and maize farms.

Dauda stated that during the rainy season, he allocated three million Naira for his rice and maize farms, from planting to harvesting, yet the market price turned out to be very discouraging.

He mentioned that with the present cost of Maize and Paddy Rice ranging from N28,000 to N20,000 per bag, he would only recover forty-five percent of his investment in the farms.

I was relieved that I hadn't taken a loan from the bank or a person to invest in the farm, and I would have been in trouble today.

"Given the current situation, farmers will likely focus solely on cash crops and stop growing food crops during the next planting season, which could lead to significant consequences for food security in the North," he stated.

Farmer Lawal Suleiman shared with Daily Trust that he incurred damages during this harvest season.

He stated that the post-harvest cost of agricultural products has caused hardship for farmers due to the decline in the value of these products, particularly Corn and Rice.

He mentioned that the present price of paddy rice and maize was significantly lower than what farmers had hoped for, noting that rice and maize growers have suffered a loss of more than fifty percent of their investment.

Suleiman expressed sorrow that farmers purchased fertilizer for N48,000 per bag and also incurred significant costs for labor and other agricultural supplies, while the price of their produce remained very low, with no support provided by either the Federal or State government.

He blamed the federal government for bringing in rice and maize, which caused the prices of these goods to drop in Nigeria.

He stated that the importation of rice and maize would destroy local production of these two crops, leaving farmers in the North without a source of income.

Suleiman, nevertheless, called on northern governors to support farmers in their respective states to ensure the continuation of agricultural activities, which serve as a major source of employment for numerous individuals in the North.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).