The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue chapter, Saaku Aondongu, has expressed concern over the lack of rainfall in most parts of the state during the peak of the cropping season.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Aondongu described the situation as “very worrisome” and advised farmers to consider planting drought-resistant crops that could endure long periods of rain scarcity.
Reports indicated that many areas in the state have not experienced rain since late July, continuing into August.
The most affected regions are the Benue North East and North West senatorial districts. However, the situation is somewhat better in the Benue South region, which borders the eastern part of the state.
Tyokase Zungwede, a farmer in Gboko, one of the worst-hit local council areas, stated that most of his rice and soybeans, which had already sprouted, have now withered due to the lack of rain.
Farmers across the state are worried that if the rains, which usually taper off in late October and sometimes extend into November, do not arrive soon, there could be a significant drop in harvests.
They said crops like yams, which require moderate rainfall, have been severely affected, as have vegetables, which typically peak in August.
Another farmer, Aondongu Iorliam, noted that while cassava has not been as heavily impacted, the overall drought is expected to negatively affect harvests and further drive up the already high cost of food.
