Dukku, Gombe State – The price of food items in the Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State has experienced a noticeable decline, which local traders attribute to the gradual return of farming activities in areas previously ravaged by insurgency. This shift has led to an increase in food production, contributing to lower prices in the market.
According to a local market trader, just three weeks ago, a 100kg bag of cowpea was priced at N100,000–N102,000, but now it is going for N85,000–N95,000. Similarly, maize, which was previously sold for N52,000–N55,000, now costs between N47,000 and N48,000.
“This decline in prices is likely linked to the return of farmers to their farms in places like Zamfara and Sokoto, where farmlands were previously inaccessible due to insurgency,” the trader explained. This recovery in agricultural activities is contributing to a more robust food supply in the country.
Farmers Express Concerns Over Lower Prices
While the lower prices may benefit consumers, some farmers are expressing concerns that the trend could lead to financial losses and may even discourage future farming activities.
Shittu Alhassan Shu’aibu, a farmer in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, expressed frustration with the situation, highlighting that many farmers had bought essential farm inputs at higher costs, including fertilizers, chemicals, and irrigation equipment. With the price of produce dropping, farmers are now facing the challenge of selling their goods at a loss.
“Honestly, the downward trend in food prices is discouraging, especially for farmers who purchased farm inputs at higher costs. It’s particularly tough for irrigation farmers who already face the additional costs of fuel and pumping devices,” Shu’aibu lamented. “If the government wants to reduce food prices, it should start by subsidizing farm inputs to reduce production costs.”
Shu’aibu emphasized that without intervention, many farmers, especially newcomers who were drawn to farming due to the harsh economic climate, might be forced out of production altogether.
Farmers Call for Subsidies on Inputs
Shu’aibu stressed that the high cost of essential farm inputs like fertilizers and fuel, which have not decreased despite the drop in produce prices, remains a significant barrier to sustainable farming. He urged the government to introduce measures to subsidize these inputs, which would alleviate the financial strain on farmers.
“If the government truly wants to reduce food prices, the priority should be to make farm inputs more affordable. Right now, the costs of fertilizers are still high, and produce prices are rapidly falling,” he argued.
A Contrasting View from Jigawa Farmer
On the other hand, Salahuddeen Abubakar, a farmer from Jigawa State, offered a more optimistic perspective. He believes that it is too early to conclude that food prices will continue to fall and suggested that price fluctuations are natural.
“It’s not yet the peak season—June, July, and August—when food prices typically rise due to limited supply. It is possible that prices could surge again,” Abubakar said. He also pointed out that farmers who sold their produce early in the season, when prices were lower, might still have made a profit. However, he acknowledged that the price of farm inputs continues to rise, which could discourage farmers if the trend persists.
AFAN Criticizes the Timing of Grain Imports
Meanwhile, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has criticized the government’s recent importation of grains, describing the decision as ill-timed. Mohammed Magaji, the National Publicity Secretary of AFAN, argued that the ideal time for importing grains would be when local farmers have exhausted their supplies, typically around July to September.
“Importation should be done when the farmer has sold out their stock, and the price is high. This would make sense, especially in months like July, August, and September when farmers are in need of grains at more affordable prices,” Magaji explained in an interview with BBC Hausa.
He also raised concerns about the rising costs of farm inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and chemicals, despite the drop in food prices. This continues to be a significant challenge for farmers, as they struggle to make ends meet.
Conclusion: A Call for Policy Action
As food prices continue to fluctuate, farmers are calling for a balanced approach from the government. While the decline in food prices benefits consumers, it is essential that policy measures address the underlying issues affecting farmers. Subsidizing key inputs, reducing the cost of production, and ensuring that imports are strategically timed to support local production are necessary steps to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers.
