APLANF is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the current economic climate on farmers in Nigeria, as it is causing severe hardships and jeopardizing their livelihoods.
By Abayomi Odunowo
The Association of Private Large Scale Nigerian Farmers (APLANF) is sounding the alarm on the current economic climate that is severely affecting farmers across the country. In a special appeal to the President and Commander in Chief, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, APLANF is highlighting the dire situation that farmers are facing, as their investments in farming are being wiped away due to the economic challenges at play.
The implications of this crisis are significant, as many farmers have already given up and left their farms. This mass exodus from agriculture is leading to acute shortages of farm produce, which will inevitably result in astronomical increases in the prices of basic food items for the already struggling masses. The ripple effect of this crisis is far-reaching, with potential consequences for food security and national stability.
APLANF is urging the President to provide a special financial stimulus to support large scale farmers who have borne the brunt of the economic challenges facing the agricultural sector. The skyrocketing prices of agricultural inputs have put tremendous pressure on farmers, with the cost of essential items such as corn reaching unprecedented levels. For example, a trailer of corn that sold for N5,000,000 last year was selling for N18,000,000 in May, and has now surged to N24,500,000 in June. The lack of control or stabilization in prices is exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their operations.
As if the economic challenges weren’t enough, farmers are also grappling with issues of security that are impeding their ability to carry out their work effectively. The rise in kidnappings, murders, and other security threats has made it dangerous for small-scale farmers to continue farming, further contributing to the crisis in food production. Without immediate intervention, the country is on the brink of a major food supply crisis that will have devastating effects on the population.
APLANF is calling on the President to take proactive measures to address the root causes of the agricultural crisis and prevent further escalation of the situation. In addition to financial support for farmers, there needs to be a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issues of high input costs, insecurity, and other challenges facing the agricultural sector. The government must prioritize the needs of farmers and invest in sustainable solutions that will ensure food security for all Nigerians.
The time to act is now, as the situation is rapidly deteriorating and posing a serious threat to the well-being of the population. The President must heed the call of APLANF and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, and take decisive action to support farmers and safeguard the nation’s food supply. Failure to address these issues promptly will only lead to further hardship for farmers and increased suffering for the Nigerian people.
The current economic climate is placing immense strain on farmers in Nigeria, threatening food security and stability in the country. APLANF’s special appeal to the President and Minister of Agriculture underscores the urgent need for financial support and strategic intervention to address the crisis in the agricultural sector. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to assist farmers and ensure the availability of affordable food for all Nigerians. The future of the nation’s food supply depends on swift and decisive measures to address the challenges facing farmers today.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobil: +23490535353.
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