By Faridat Salifu
Farmers in Katsina are urging both federal and state governments to provide fertilizers and agricultural inputs at subsidized rates to enhance agricultural output and strengthen food security.
Speaking to reporters in Katsina, farmers stressed the importance of this appeal amid the soaring costs of essential commodities, driven by prevailing economic challenges.
As preparations commence for the upcoming 2024 cropping season across the state, farmers are grappling with exorbitant prices for fertilizers.
Market surveys indicate that a bag of fertilizer currently ranges between N39,000 and N42,000, depending on the brand.
Aliyu Muhammad, a farmer, lamented the significant price increase, recalling that just last season, a bag was priced around N22,000.
He emphasized the urgent need for intervention, warning that without it, many farmers might be compelled to abandon their fields due to the unaffordable costs of inputs.
The impact of these inflated prices is already apparent, with some farmers, like maize grower Aminu Dahiru, opting out of cultivation this season altogether.
Dahiru cited the high cost of fertilizers as the primary reason, choosing instead to use more economical alternatives like cow dung and manure.
Despite recognizing the importance of granulated fertilizers for optimal crop nourishment and yield, Dahiru explained the necessity of relying solely on manure this time due to financial constraints.
Tukur Isa and Idris Abdullahi echoed similar concerns, warning of a potential decline in crop production if the situation persists.
They called for government intervention, urging the timely provision of fertilizers and inputs to sustain agricultural production.
Additionally, Mr. Abdullahi urged the state government to implement proactive measures to ensure equitable access to agricultural interventions for genuine farmers.