Jigawa Rice Farmers Lament Rising Fuel and Fertilizer Costs

Dry season rice farmers in Jigawa State have expressed concerns over the rising costs of fuel and fertilizers, which have adversely affected rice production in the state.

Farmers voiced their grievances during a visit by Governor Malam Umar Namadi to rice farms in Gabarin village, Ringim Local Government Area.

Alhaji Dauda Ali, a large-scale farmer speaking on behalf of the farmers at Gabarin, highlighted that many small-scale rice farmers are incurring losses due to the increased costs.

“Many farmers around this area have abandoned their farms due to the cost of petrol and fertilizers,” he said. Ali, who manages over 200 hectares of rice farm employing about 200 laborers daily, revealed that he spends five million Naira weekly on fuel for water pumps.

Similarly, Malam Sunusi Malanjo, a rice farmer from Kalgwai village, noted that small farmers struggle with low post-harvest prices of rice.

The farmers urged the Jigawa State Government to intervene and provide solutions to their challenges.

In response, Governor Namadi reported that this year’s dry season rice production reached 800,000 tonnes.

He expressed optimism that the 200,000 hectares of rice farms under cultivation would significantly alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria.

“We will continue to encourage and support farmers to ensure food security in the state,” Governor Namadi assured, emphasizing his commitment to the state’s agricultural development and the nation’s food security agenda.