Farmers Decry Rising Input Costs, Erratic Rainfall As Planting Season Begins

News in Brief:

—Farmers in the FCT say early rainfall has encouraged planting, but high prices of fertilisers, seeds, agrochemicals and labour are forcing many to scale down cultivation.

—They are calling for subsidies, improved access to credit and stronger security around farm communities, warning that erratic rainfall and insecurity could reduce yields this season.

Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring communities have raised concerns over the combined effects of changing rainfall patterns, soaring input prices and insecurity on this year’s farming season.

The farmers, who spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the early rains had encouraged many of them to begin cultivation, but the rising cost of seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals and labour was limiting how much land they could plant.

A vegetable farmer, Mrs Blessing Emenike, said the price of fertiliser had risen sharply, forcing many small-scale farmers to cut back on the size of land under cultivation. She said a bag that sold for about ₦32,000 last year now goes for about ₦50,000, a jump that many farmers can no longer absorb.

“Even seeds have doubled in price compared to what we paid last year. 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," she revealed.

“Some farmers are considering planting fewer hectares because they cannot afford enough fertiliser and chemicals,” the farmer added.

Mr Williams Abalaka, a maize farmer in Dutse Alhaji, said he had started planting after the rains set in, but noted that heavy downpours had slowed work in some areas. He said the rainfall had softened the soil and helped planting, but frequent showers were still disrupting farm activity.

“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. Erosion is seriously affecting us because of poor drainage systems," he told the reporters.

“We are also facing insecurity. Many farmers are afraid of going to their farms because of the fear of kidnapping," he added, noting the insecurity challenges.

High Input Costs Slash Earnings, Rainfall Patterns Remain Tricky

Abalaka further claimed that many farmers prefer using poultry droppings because they are less expensive than fertiliser.

“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.

Mrs Aisha Abubakar, a rice farmer in Dei-Dei, said she had reduced the size of her farmland because of the high cost of production. She said fertilisers, herbicides and labour had all become more expensive, making it difficult to farm on the scale she had planned.

“I have started planting, but not on the scale I originally planned. The prices of fertilisers, herbicides and labour have increased significantly. If the government can subsidise inputs and provide accessible loans, farmers will be able to produce more food,” she said.

Mr Abdullahi Suleiman said farmers were hopeful about the season, but warned that unpredictable rainfall could still affect crop germination and yields. He said prolonged dry spells between rainfall could hurt newly planted crops.

“Most farmers have started planting because the rains have come. However, we are closely monitoring weather conditions because farming depends largely on rainfall. We are hopeful for a good season, but climate-related challenges continue to affect agricultural productivity,” he said.

Trainings Prepare Farmers, Adoption Still Low

Mrs Victoria Obadiah said farmers were better prepared for the season than in previous years, thanks to increased awareness campaigns and training programmes. She, however, warned that high input costs could still reduce productivity without stronger government support.

“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. 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.

Obadiah also called for wider adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, saying farmers must take advantage of weather forecasts and extension services to reduce losses and improve yields.

Other farmers appealed to the government and development partners to strengthen support programmes that would improve access to quality seeds, fertilisers and modern farming equipment. They said such interventions could boost production and help stabilise food availability and affordability nationwide.

Despite the concerns, the farmers said food production could still rise this season if the rains remain favourable and the government responds with practical support. Still, they warned that insecurity, changing rainfall patterns, and rising input prices remain major threats to a successful harvest.