Farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State have appealed to the government to provide fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to improve productivity and strengthen food security during the current farming season.
The farmers made the appeal in separate interviews on Sunday in Takum, expressing concern over the rising cost and limited availability of essential farm inputs as rainfall intensifies across the state.
They said easier access to fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and other farming materials at subsidised prices would encourage higher agricultural production and contribute to efforts to reduce food insecurity.
A rice farmer, Micah Audu, identified the soaring prices of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs as one of the biggest challenges confronting farmers.
He urged governments at all levels to increase support for farmers through subsidies and other intervention programmes.
“Government should prioritise agriculture by supporting farmers financially and ensuring the availability of farm inputs at subsidised rates to boost productivity and strengthen food security,” he said.
Another farmer, Tanko Garba, who cultivates rice and maize, appealed to the government and public-spirited individuals to provide farmers with fertilisers, agrochemicals, machinery and financial support.
“I appeal to the government to support farmers with chemicals, fertilisers, machinery and capital to improve production,” Mr Garba said.
Also speaking, Nwukaba Ali, who grows millet, maize, egusi and groundnuts, said her inability to afford fertilisers at prevailing market prices had become a major obstacle to farming.
She disclosed that she had not benefited from any government or private-sector agricultural support programme.
“My major challenge is poor access to fertilisers and the high cost of farm inputs. I have not received any assistance from the government or private individuals,” she said.
Similarly, rice farmer Japhet Phillip said the combination of high input costs and delays in the distribution of fertilisers was affecting farming operations.
He appealed to the government to ensure that fertilisers and other agricultural inputs reach farmers before the commencement of planting activities.
“Seeds, fertilisers and chemicals are very expensive this year. A bag of fertiliser that used to be affordable is now beyond the reach of many farmers.
“By the time fertilisers get to us, the planting window has almost passed. The government should make fertilisers available and affordable before the farming season begins,” he said.
