Taraba Farmers Call for Subsidised Fertilisers to Boost Food Production.

Farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State have appealed to the government to provide subsidised fertilisers and other essential agricultural inputs to help improve crop production and strengthen food security during the current farming season.

Speaking in separate interviews in Takum, the farmers said the high cost and limited availability of farming inputs have made cultivation increasingly difficult, despite favourable rainfall conditions across the state.

They urged federal, state and local governments to make fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and other agricultural supplies more affordable and readily available, arguing that greater support would boost agricultural productivity, increase food production and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.

Rice farmer Micah Audu described the escalating prices of fertilisers and other farm inputs as one of the most significant challenges confronting farmers this season.

He called on all levels of government to strengthen agricultural support programmes by expanding input subsidies and providing financial assistance to farmers.

According to Audu, easier access to affordable farming inputs would enable farmers to increase yields while contributing to the country’s food security objectives.

Another farmer, Tanko Garba, who cultivates rice and maize, appealed to the government, private organisations and philanthropists to support farmers with fertilisers, agrochemicals, farm machinery and improved access to finance.

He said such assistance would enable farmers to expand cultivation, improve productivity and achieve better harvests.

For Nwukaba Ali, who grows millet, maize, egusi and groundnuts, the rising cost of fertilisers has become a major obstacle to sustaining her farming activities.

She disclosed that she has never benefited from any government or private-sector agricultural intervention program, adding that the absence of support continues to limit her productivity.

Rice farmer Japhet Phillip also expressed concern over the increasing prices of seeds, fertilisers and agrochemicals, as well as delays in the distribution of government-supported agricultural inputs.

He urged authorities to ensure that fertilisers and other farming supplies are distributed well before the planting season begins, noting that delayed delivery often reduces their effectiveness and negatively affects crop production.

Phillip further observed that many farmers are no longer able to afford fertilisers because of the sharp rise in prices, stressing that timely access to affordable agricultural inputs is essential to improving food production and ensuring long-term food security in Nigeria.