AFAN Chairman Warns Many Farmers May Quit Farming This Year

The Taraba State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Saliu Adamu Kumba, has expressed worry that, a large number of farmers may abandon farming this year, due to crash in food prices and high cost of pesticides.

Mr. Kumba, who disclosed this in an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jalingo, Urged farmers not to be discouraged with their previous experiences in the farming business.

According to the state AFAN chairman, the declining prices of food commodities have created serious challenges for agricultural investment and caused severe hardship for farmers.

He, however, encouraged farmers to continue farming using the resources available to them in order to ensure food sufficiency in the state and the country at large.

Mr. Kumba stressed that many farmers can no longer afford fertilizers, tractors, and other farm inputs due to their rising costs.

He reiterated that, farmers need empowerment, encouragement, and government attention to help tackle hunger and prevent famine in the state.

The AFAN chairman noted with dismay how participation in this year’s dry-season farming was lower, compared to previous years, and observed that more farmers may withdraw from farming if the situation was not addressed.

While commending the Taraba State governor, Agbu Kefas, for his support to the association in the previous year, Kumba called on the governor to assist farmers at the right time to reduce production costs and to ensure food commodities remain available at stable prices.

He also appealed to governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals to support farmers directly, rather than channeling assistance through middlemen that often fail to reach out to farmers in the field.