In Benue State, farmers are anxiously awaiting more rains as prices of essential crops skyrocket in local markets. With more people eager to go into farming, farmers are counting on the much-needed rainfall to begin the seasonal farming of crops to alleviate the strain on their livelihoods.
In recent weeks, the prices of staple crops such as maize, yams, and cassava have surged, leaving many residents struggling to afford basic necessities. The scarcity of produce has been attributed to government economic policies, including the devaluation of the naira, insecurity, an increase in the price of fuel, and, invariably, the cost of transport.
AkweyaTV rural correspondent Sunday Ekesi carried out a random interview with some farmers in Benue State, where many of the farmers have cleared the farmlands, waiting for the rain to begin the making of ridges and heaps for planting.
“I will start the farming season with the cultivation of cassava, and I have already cleared the farmland; I can’t wait for the rain to start falling,” a pastor and farmer, Richard Adah, said.
“I’ve been farming for over two decades, and I’ve never seen prices like this,” lamented Isaac Ato, a local farmer. “We are waiting for the rain. The plan is to increase the size of my farm by 200%.”
The desperation of many to go into agriculture has prompted calls for urgent intervention from the government and other stakeholders to mitigate the effects of the drought and support farmers through this challenging period. Agricultural experts emphasise the importance of implementing sustainable water management practices and investing in irrigation infrastructure to guarantee all-season farming.
Despite the uncertainty looming over the farming community, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon as meteorologists forecast the imminent onset of the rainy season. Farmers are optimistic that the anticipated rainfall will replenish the parched land and provide much-needed relief to their crops.
“We are praying for rain,” said Mary Oche, another farmer in the region. “Our hopes are pinned on the skies opening up and bringing us the blessings of water.”
The governor of Benue State, Rev. Father Hycienth Alia, had, on assumption of office in 2023, announced a 50% fertiliser subsidy to Benue farmers. He expressed his commitment to supporting farmers in the face of security challenges and economic hardship. The governor urged farmers to make the most of the crucial farm input to ensure a bumper harvest.
To ensure efficiency, Alia warned against any attempts to sabotage the sales and distribution process, noting that severe sanctions would be imposed on anyone caught engaging in such activities, regardless of their position.
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