Farmers in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed growing concern over the escalating prices of fertilizers and agrochemicals in Nigeria.
The farmers described the rising costs as alarming,particularly in light of the nation’s ongoing push for food security.
They noted that the continuous hike in the price of industrial fertilizers is beginning to seriously hinder agricultural productivity, especially for small-scale farmers in rural areas.
Mr. Phillip Akuso, a farmer from the Baran-goni community in Bwari, reported a steep rise in fertilizer prices. According to him, a bag of Golden Urea or NPK, which sold for between ₦35,000 and ₦37,000 in 2024, now costs around ₦47,000.
He added, “NPK 20.10.10 is still relatively cheaper at ₦25,000, but other higher-grade options are selling for ₦47,000 or more. Prices have jumped from ₦20,000 in 2023 to current levels,it’s been a yearly increase.
“Agrochemicals and pesticides have also become far more expensive, yet there’s still an expectation for us to increase output. It’s frustrating.”
Akuso emphasized the economic pressure on smallholder farmers, pointing out, “The costs are becoming unsustainable. Imagine not being able to sell a bag of maize and afford a single bag of fertilizer. Fertilizer now costs more than what we earn per unit crop, yet it’s essential for scaling production.”
Akuso attributed the persistent rise in fertilizer prices to the increasing cost of fuel, emphasizing that fuel plays a critical role in the manufacturing process of industrial fertilizers.
He called on the government and relevant stakeholders to take action by making essential farm inputs more affordable for farmers across the country.
In the same vein, Mr. Bawah Malik, a farmer from the Sabon-Gari community, expressed concern over the soaring cost of farming inputs, especially fertilizers, despite their importance in enhancing crop yields.
He noted that due to the high prices of industrial fertilizers, many farmers in his area have begun turning to organic options like poultry and cow dung to supplement their input needs.
“At the moment, a bag of poultry manure sells for between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000. However, demand is high, so it’s necessary to book in advance. Not everyone can afford NPK or Urea anymore,” Malik explained.
He added, “If your land needs up to 20 bags of chemical fertilizer and you can’t cover the cost, your only choice might be to apply organic manure on part of the field.”
Malik urged government authorities at all levels to continue supporting local farmers through the provision of free or subsidized inputs. He also recommended the introduction of low-interest loans to help small-scale farmers access necessary supplies and increase their productivity.
Providing further insight, agricultural expert Mr. Tanimu Ibrahim pointed out that both organic and chemical fertilizers offer unique advantages.
He explained that organic manure delivers a broad spectrum of nutrients, although in smaller quantities, which are gradually released as the material breaks down. In contrast, industrial fertilizers supply specific nutrients in concentrated forms, which plants absorb quickly.
“Organic manure enhances soil structure, improves water retention, promotes beneficial microbes, and contributes to long-term soil health.
“However, chemical fertilizers deliver immediate nutrient boosts but don’t improve the soil’s physical condition,” he said.
He cautioned that excessive use of chemical fertilizers over time could damage soil health by disrupting the natural balance of beneficial organisms, ultimately reducing soil productivity.
Ibrahim also noted the trade-off between both types: organic manure, while more cost-effective, often demands more labor, whereas chemical fertilizers are easier to apply but significantly more expensive.
He concluded by urging agricultural stakeholders to ramp up efforts in resolving the challenges faced by farmers and to place greater emphasis on agriculture as a driver of national development.
