Planting Season: Farmers weigh impact of rainfall, inputs on production

‎By Charity Nwosu
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‎Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs have expressed mixed feelings over the impact of rainfall patterns and the rising cost of farm inputs on agricultural production.
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‎The farmers spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
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‎They said that while the early rains had encouraged many of them to begin cultivation, the high cost of seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals and labour remained a major challenge.
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‎Mrs Blessing Emenike, a vegetable farmer, said the rising cost of fertiliser had forced many farmers to reduce the size of land under cultivation.
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‎“Last year, a bag of fertiliser sold for about N32,000, but this year it is about N50,000 and not everyone can afford it.
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‎“Even seeds have doubled in price compared to what we paid last year.
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‎“All the chemicals we use on the farm are very expensive. If there is any way the government can subsidise them, it will make farming easier for us.
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‎“Some farmers are considering planting fewer hectares because they cannot afford enough fertiliser and chemicals,” she said.
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‎Also speaking, Mr Williams Abalaka, a maize farmer in Dutse Alhaji, said he had commenced planting following the onset of rainfall.
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‎According to him, the rains have been relatively favourable so far, although frequent downpours in some areas have slowed farming activities.
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‎“The rainfall has helped soften the soil and made planting easier. However, there are days when the rains are too heavy, preventing us from going to the farm.
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‎“Erosion is seriously affecting us because of poor drainage systems.
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‎“We are also facing insecurity. Many farmers are afraid of going to their farms because of the fear of kidnapping.
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‎“Nowadays, many people prefer using poultry droppings because they are less expensive than fertiliser.
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‎“Our major concern remains the cost of inputs. Fertilisers and improved seeds are much more expensive than they were last year, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to cultivate larger areas,” he said.
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‎Similarly, Mrs Aisha Abubakar, a rice farmer in Dei-Dei, said she had reduced the size of her farmland due to rising production costs.
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‎“I have started planting, but not on the scale I originally planned. The prices of fertilisers, herbicides and labour have increased significantly.
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‎“If the government can subsidise inputs and provide accessible loans, farmers will be able to produce more food,” she said.
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‎Mr Abdullahi Suleiman also expressed concern over unpredictable rainfall despite the commencement of planting activities.
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‎According to him, prolonged dry spells between rainfall could affect crop germination and yield.
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‎“Most farmers have started planting because the rains have come. However, we are closely monitoring weather conditions because farming depends largely on rainfall.
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‎“We are hopeful for a good season, but climate-related challenges continue to affect agricultural productivity,” he said.
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‎Mrs Victoria Obadiah said farmers’ preparedness for the season had improved compared to previous years, largely due to increased awareness campaigns and training programmes.
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‎She, however, noted that the rising cost of agricultural inputs could limit productivity if adequate support was not provided.
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‎“Many farmers are eager to cultivate more land this year because of the demand for food. Unfortunately, the high cost of inputs is affecting their plans.
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‎“To boost production, there is a need for government intervention through subsidies, improved access to credit facilities and timely distribution of farm inputs,” she said.
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‎Obadiah also emphasised the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions.
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‎She urged farmers to take advantage of weather forecasts and extension services to improve productivity and minimise losses.
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‎Some farmers also appealed to government and development partners to strengthen support programmes aimed at improving access to quality seeds, fertilisers and modern farming equipment.
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‎They expressed optimism that with favourable weather conditions and adequate support, agricultural production would increase and contribute to improved food availability and affordability across the country.
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The ‎farmers stressed that increased food production is possible this season, but rising input costs, insecurity and changing rainfall patterns remain major challenges to a successful harvest.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor