The Nigerian Senate has called for swift governmental intervention to alleviate the struggles of farmers facing a dramatic decline in the prices of agricultural produce.
Lawmakers warned that, if left unaddressed, this situation could jeopardize the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and worsen the country’s already fragile food security.
The Senate’s plea came after the adoption of a motion presented by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central).
The motion highlighted the growing disparity between the declining prices that farmers are receiving for their crops and the high costs of essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
While the Senate acknowledged the Federal Government’s success in reducing the cost of food products nationwide through waivers and special importation permissions, which have provided relief to consumers, it also raised concerns about the unintended impact on local farmers.
The reduction in food prices has been beneficial to many Nigerians grappling with a high cost of living, but it has simultaneously created financial challenges for farmers, who continue to face soaring input costs.
Senator Goje pointed out that the combination of falling produce prices and persistently high input costs was placing immense pressure on the income and sustainability of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
These farmers depend heavily on agriculture as their primary source of income, and many are now struggling to maintain profitability.
Senator Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto North), who seconded the motion, stressed the urgent need for policies that strike a balance between ensuring affordable food for consumers and securing stable incomes for farmers.
He emphasized that the high cost of agricultural inputs must be addressed in order to boost production.
Senator Dandutse Mohammed (Katsina South) also expressed concern over the situation, pointing out that more than 60 percent of Nigerians rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
He lamented the sharp rise in fertilizer prices, which have reportedly surpassed ₦60,000 per bag, while farm produce prices continue to plummet.
He further warned that the unchecked increase in food imports and lack of subsidies for local farmers were exacerbating food insecurity and contributing to rising tensions in the country.
In addition to the economic challenges, Senator Steve Karimi (Kogi West) highlighted the growing insecurity in farming communities, which he described as a major threat to national food security.
Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) also raised the issue of the role state governments could play in complementing federal agricultural policies and initiatives.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) acknowledged that temporary border relaxations during periods of scarcity may be necessary but argued that long-term solutions must focus on providing farmers with affordable inputs and ensuring stable prices for their produce.
He warned that Nigeria’s increasing reliance on imported food products could undermine the country’s food sovereignty, destabilize local markets, and hinder the development of the agricultural value chain.
The Senate concluded that a coordinated effort between various government ministries, state governments, agricultural cooperatives, and other relevant stakeholders is crucial to achieving fair pricing, improving storage and transportation infrastructure, and enhancing market linkages.
Such measures would help ensure the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural sector.
To address the current crisis, the Senate urged the Federal Government to implement a comprehensive Special Emergency Intervention Package for farmers who are being negatively affected by the drop in agricultural produce prices.
This initiative should aim to cushion farmers’ losses and stabilize household incomes.
The Senate also called for the creation of a “Benchmark Minimum Price Framework” for key agricultural commodities, coupled with a “Guaranteed Off-take Programme,” in which the government would directly purchase produce from farmers at a predetermined price to stabilize the market.
Additionally, the Senate emphasized the need for broad-based subsidies on agricultural inputs, particularly fertilizers, to ease the burden on farmers.
They also urged the government to prioritize investment in strategic agricultural infrastructure, including improved storage facilities, rural roads, processing centers, and irrigation systems, to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance farmers’ profitability.
