Dry season rice farmers in Jigawa State have lamented the increase in fuel price and fertilizers, which has affected rice production in the state.
Some of the farmers raised concerns while reacting to the situation rice farmers found themselves in during the governor’s visit to some rice farms at Gabarin village in Ringim Local Government.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers at Gabarin village, Alhaji Dauda Ali, a large-scale farmer, said most small-scale rice farmers are running at a loss due to the higher cost of fuel and fertilizers.
According to him, “Many farmers around this area have abandoned their farms due to the cost of petrol and fertilizers.
“I have over 200 hectares of rice farm, and about 200 laborers are working on the farm daily, and presently I’m spending the sum of five million Naira (N5,000,000) every week on fuel to power my water pumps machines.”
Another rice farmer, Malam Sunusi Malanjo, at Kalgwai village, said small farmers are finding it difficult due to the poor price of the commodity after the harvest.
They, however, urged the Jigawa state Government to come to their aid and provide a proper solution to the problem.
In his response, the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, said this year’s dry season rice production hit 800,000 tonnes.
The governor, therefore, expressed happiness that the 200,000 hectares of rice farms currently being cultivated across the state would no doubt reduce the nation’s food insecurity challenges.
He therefore assured that he would continue supporting farmers to ensure food security in the state.
“We will continue to encourage them and continue to support the renewed hope agenda, especially as it relates to food security in Nigeria,” the governor said.