Farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring communities have voiced concerns over the combined effects of unpredictable rainfall patterns and the rising cost of agricultural inputs warning that the situation could negatively impact food production during the current farming season.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, the farmers said the early onset of rains encouraged many of them to begin planting activities. However, they noted that the escalating prices of seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals and labour have continued to place significant pressure on farming operations.
A vegetable farmer, Mrs. Blessing Emenike, disclosed that the increasing cost of fertiliser has forced many farmers to reduce the size of land under cultivation in order to manage production expenses.
According to her, while favourable rainfall at the start of the season offered hope for improved yields the burden of expensive inputs has made it difficult for smallholder farmers to operate at full capacity.
Other farmers also expressed worries over the inconsistency of rainfall distribution noting that prolonged dry spells or excessive rains at critical stages of crop development could affect yields and reduce overall productivity.
They appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to provide subsidised farm inputs and strengthen intervention programmes that would ease the financial burden on farmers.
The producers maintained that improving access to affordable inputs is essential to boosting agricultural output ensuring food security and stabilizing food prices across the country.
Despite the challenges the farmers expressed optimism that with favourable weather conditions and timely support the current farming season could still deliver satisfactory harvests.
