Chief Audu Ogbe, a prominent agricultural expert and former minister, has raised concerns over the growing challenges facing Nigerian farmers, citing the high cost of farming inputs, worsening insecurity, and poor road infrastructure as major obstacles to agricultural productivity.
Speaking at a farmers’ forum in Abuja, Ogbe highlighted how these issues are discouraging many Nigerians from engaging in farming activities, despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.
According to Chief Ogbe, the skyrocketing prices of fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides have made farming increasingly unaffordable for smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He noted that many farmers are struggling to break even due to these rising costs, which have been exacerbated by inflation and foreign exchange fluctuations.
In addition to financial constraints, Ogbe pointed out that insecurity in many farming communities has forced numerous agricultural workers to abandon their lands.
Attacks by armed groups and cattle rustlers have disrupted farming activities, particularly in the northern regions, leading to food shortages and economic losses.
The poor state of rural roads was another critical issue raised by the agricultural leader. He explained that bad road networks make it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets, resulting in post-harvest losses and reduced income.
Chief Ogbe called on the government to implement urgent interventions, including subsidies for farm inputs, improved security measures, and infrastructure development, to revitalise the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the nation.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
