By Hannah Theophilus
The Taraba State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Saliu Adamu Kumba, has revealed that a large number of farmers may abandon farming this year.
Kumba disclosed this in an interview with our reporter in Jalingo, attributing the development to the declining prices of food commodities, which he said 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.
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 greater government attention to help tackle hunger and prevent famine in the state.
The AFAN chairman noted that participation in dry-season farming this year was lower compared to previous years, warning that more farmers may withdraw from farming if the situation is 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 ensure food commodities remain available at stable prices.
He also appealed to governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals in society to support farmers directly, rather than channeling assistance through intermediaries that often fail to reach farmers in the field.
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