Agriculture
High cost of fertiliser, a threat to food security – Farmers
High cost of fertiliser, a threat to food security – Farmers
Farmers in Nigeria have bemoaned the high cost of fertiliser and expressed concern that the situation is threatening food security in the country.
The farmers who expressed their worries in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the South-South, said government withdrawal of subsidies had aggravated the situation.
They called on the government to intervene and adopt measures that would ensure that the product got to genuine farmers to guarantee increase in food production and food security.
The Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) in Delta, Chief Sylvanus Ejezie, said fertiliser and agrochemicals which aided farmers to achieve good produce had become too exorbitant.
He told NAN in Asaba that the push and efforts by the government to address food insecurity would not be realised in the near future unless urgent steps were taken to address the rising cost of the product.
He said that government subsidies on fertiliser had been hijacked by “political farmers” who presented themselves as middlemen between fertiliser companies and the farmers.
“We source our fertilisers from Onitsha market because there is a fertiliser plant in Delta State.
“The prices of fertiliser and agrochemicals have risen so high that we cannot afford the quantity that we require to cultivate many hectares this year.
“Fifty kilograms of NPK fertiliser currently is going for N17,000; urea is N25,000 while a litre of organic fertiliser is sold for N6,000.
“This year, I cultivated 40 hectares of rice in Owens River Basin at Ngegu, Illah, and Oko Omuluigboma. I also cultivated 35 hectares for the wet season,” he said.
He said farmers in Delta had started harvesting but were not expecting a bumper harvest because they were not able to apply all the needed inputs because of their high cost.
“The implication is clear. At present, a bag of local 50kg rice is sold for between N23,000 and N25,000 but after we factor in the cost of production, the price will increase.
“So, as you can see, the food security plan of government is threatened because we can not produce much rice; other crops are affected due to the rising cost of production in the country,” he said.
Ejezie appealed to the government to deal directly with real farmers through their various associations in fertilisers and agrochemical supply and distribution to achieve planned objectives.
In Calabar, Mr Bassey Etim, Programme Manager, Cross River Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), painted a gloomy picture of the rice harvest in the state this year due to the high cost of fertiliser.
Etim said that the product was now out of reach of most farmers in the state as the cost of urea fertiliser that was sold for between N16,000 to N18,000 per 50kg bag was now sold for N26,000.
“With the high cost, poor farmers in the rural areas won’t be able to boost their yield,” he lamented.
The ADP programme manager said that Cross River has no fertiliser plant and that they get stock from River state.
On his part, Mr Iwara Iwara, Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Cross River, said unavailability and high cost of fertiliser were scuttling Nigeria’s agricultural goal of food sufficiency.
Iwara said it would be very difficult to guarantee a bumper harvest which would in turn ensure food security in the nearest future if farmers could not get the product.
He said that the product was sold from N18,000 upwards per medium bag, depending on the type.
“This price is almost beyond the reach of an average farmer in the state, meaning that we still have a long way to go if we must ensure food security in the near future,” he noted.
Similarly, Mr Emmanuel Odey, a rice farmer in Ogoja said: “Here a medium size bag of fertiliser is between N20,000 and N30,000, depending on the quality and composition of the product.
“Most farmers here borrow to do the labour in their farms and before it gets to the time to apply fertiliser, they are already out of cash and with the high cost of fertiliser the situation is worse.
“So many of them just leave the farms like that and at the end during harvest, the productivity is very low.”
To tackle the problem, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Akwa Ibom called on the government to restore subsidies on fertilisers to reduce farmers’ burden as the price of the product was beyond their reach.
The AFAN Chairman in the state, Mr Bassey Inwang who made the call, said that farmers in the state were buying the product at a very high cost and that it was affecting their yields.
He said that they were buying the product directly from the open market without any subsidy by the government.
“We do not enjoy subsidy on fertiliser. The Federal, State and Local Governments should collaborate to end this high cost of fertiliser as is affecting food production.
“Government should reintroduce subsidy as it was in those good years of 2012, 2013 and 2014 to help farmers,” he said.
However, Mr Johnny Udo, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Greenwell Technologies Fertiliser Blending Operations, Uyo, attributed the high cost of the product to the high cost of raw materials.
Udo, a Chemical Engineer, said the cost of running the blending plant had increased tremendously as about 400 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) was used every two days at the cost of N800 per litre.
He stated that apart from the high cost of diesel, other raw materials were expensive as they were imported from Ukraine and Russia now engaged in war.
“For instance, a litre of diesel last year was about N250 and today it is N800 per litre. The cost of two major raw materials for blending fertiliser is very high than what it was last year,” Udo said.
He said that the private company had a production capacity of about 64, 000 metric tonnes per year, but could hardly meet up due to the present economic situation in the country.
He urged governments at all levels to do something urgently as there might be serious food scarcity in the country next year.
A distributor of fertiliser and agro-chemicals in Port Harcourt, Mr Godwin Akandu, said that there was no government intervention in fertiliser procurement for farmers in the state.
NAN reports that Indorama is a major fertiliser production company in Rivers with a production capacity of 23,000 tonnes of ammonia and 4,000 tonnes of granular urea per day.
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Notore is another fertiliser blending company in the state with a production capacity of over 2,000 metric tonnes of NPK per day.
Akandu who is also the Chairman of Etche Farmers Cooperative Union lamented the high cost of the product in the state.
“The cost of fertiliser is not stable; it fluctuates on weekly basis.
“For instance, last week, Indorama sold urea for N22,000 per bag in the open market. The price may change in the coming weeks.
“I think that the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar is a determinant factor on production cost and market pricing of fertilisers,” he added.
Mr Edison Mba, a farmer and Chairman, of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Eleme branch, said farmers in the state had continued to suffer the high cost of fertiliser.
According to him, the situation had resulted in a high cost of staple food items.
Also, Abdullahi Muhammed, Chairman, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Edo North Senatorial District, said the government had not been subsidising fertiliser for farmers in the state.
Muhammed said it had remained difficult for farmers to access the product in the state.
He told NAN in Auchi that fertiliser was being sold at the rate of N16,500 per bag, adding that farmers in the area could not afford to buy it.
“Government has not made fertiliser available to farmers, let alone subsidising it. The fertiliser farmers are buying in the market is sold by private vendors.
“No fertiliser supply was coming directly from the federal or state government to farmers in the state,” Muhammed said.
He added that the state fertiliser company at Auchi was not producing, and farmers in the senatorial district found it difficult to buy the product.
The AFAN chairman blamed the rising cost of fertiliser on the inadequate production of the product.
He, however, urged the government to do its best to make the product available to farmers in the country at a subsidised rate.
“Increased production of fertiliser will make the product more available and force the price down
“There must be sufficient production to enable farmers to have access to fertiliser,” he said
Farmers in Bayelsa have also continued to bemoan the rising cost of the product and said the development was inimical to the country’s policy on food security.
A cassava farmer, Esther Etido, wondered why a government that urged Nigerians to embark on farming had not taken steps to ensure that fertiliser and other farm inputs were available and affordable.
“Many people heeded the call to go into farming to boost food production only to be abandoned. Soon after planting, I was told that a bag of NPK fertilizer was being sold at N30,000.
“I could not afford it and had to do without it. The next option was to use organic fertiliser and the place where they rear cattle is too far for me to get cow dung.
“I thank God because the Niger Delta soil is naturally fertile. I still had a good harvest without fertiliser,” she said.
For another respondent, Epegu Ceaser, the exhorbitant cost of fertiliser spells doom for plantain and banana farmers who used to adopt shifting cultivation and leave lands fallow for several years.
“The use of fertiliser is now a necesssity because land owners who lease land to farmers no longer allow the land to fallow for years.
“This is because many more people are now farming; so the pressure on the land is much and that is why fertiliser is needed.
“If you manage and buy fertiliser and suckers at very high prices, definitely the produce will be sold at higher prices for you to make a reasonable profit,” he said.
Mrs Theresa Ebiowei, a garri seller, attributed the current high cost of the staple food to the high cost of fertiliser.
“The farmers complain seriously about the scarcity and high cost of fertiliser and that is why they sell their produce at high prices.
“You know garri processing is also labour-intensive; that is why a “painter” measure goes for N1,000.
“In previous years at this time, there used to be a glutt and it is usually sold for between N700 and N800 a painter,” Ebiowei said
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman
By: Dr. James Bwala
Nigeria’s agricultural environment is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Senator Abubakar Kyari, whose recent nomination as Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) marks a watershed moment in agricultural diplomacy. This strategic positioning highlights Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural growth and food security on the global stage.
Kyari’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given Nigeria’s complex agricultural challenges, including food insecurity, limited smallholder farmer resources, and climate vulnerabilities. His extensive experience in agricultural policy and governance positions him uniquely to advocate for innovative agricultural transformation strategies. By leveraging IFAD’s global platform, Kyari can potentially mobilize critical resources and technical expertise to address Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure and productivity constraints.
The potential impact of this leadership role extends beyond national boundaries, offering a promising avenue for enhancing agricultural resilience and economic empowerment across developing regions. Kyari’s strategic vision and Nigeria’s agricultural potential can catalyze meaningful interventions that support sustainable agricultural development, ultimately contributing to broader regional food security objectives and economic stability.
Additionally, Kyari’s collaborative approach, as demonstrated in his recent meetings with IFAD officials, highlights his dedication to forging international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities. His proactive engagement in these discussions not only strengthens Nigeria’s bilateral relations with international agricultural bodies but also sets the stage for implementing innovative projects that could transform the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and improving livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers.
His leadership is poised to drive significant advancements in agricultural technology adoption, empowering local farmers to increase yields and enhance food security. In this context, Kyari’s efforts to secure the expeditious release of a $5 million grant from IFAD, aimed at bolstering food security programs such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), underscore his commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security.
The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced food security is strategic. The strategic alignment of these initiatives with Nigeria’s agricultural agenda demonstrates Kyari’s adeptness at navigating complex international frameworks to secure resources that can drive transformative change in the sector. His diplomatic acumen is further highlighted by his ability to forge strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Swaraj Tractors, which aims to modernize farming equipment and practices across Nigeria.
Kyari’s role as IFAD Vice Chairman positions him to further leverage international platforms to advocate for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His leadership in this capacity not only reinforces Nigeria’s influence on global agricultural policy but also ensures that the country’s unique challenges and opportunities are adequately represented on the international stage. By fostering strategic alliances and promoting innovation, Kyari is poised to drive transformative change that aligns with both national priorities and global sustainability goals.
As Vice Chairman, Kyari’s leadership is expected to harness these collaborations, ensuring that the initiatives not only benefit Nigeria but also serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar agricultural challenges. His leadership as Vice Chairman could potentially enhance collaborative efforts and attract increased international support for Nigeria’s agricultural initiatives. His proactive approach in securing the $5 million grant from IFAD further underscores his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural framework by empowering smallholder farmers and transforming agrifood systems.
This proactive engagement not only secures critical financial resources but also demonstrates his dedication to fostering resilient agricultural systems that can withstand both local and global challenges. His strategic vision is evident in his advocacy for initiatives like the Inclusive Agrifood System Transformation, which aims to empower smallholder farmers and bolster food security across the nation. His efforts to address these challenges are complemented by his collaboration with international partners, which is vital for creating a more resilient and productive agricultural environment in Nigeria.
His efforts are strengthened by his involvement in technical developments and sustainable practices, which are critical for modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and assuring long-term success. Kyari hopes to develop a more integrated and efficient agricultural industry that would serve as a dependable backbone for Nigeria’s economy by capitalizing on these advancements.
His role as Vice Chairman of IFAD allows him to foster these collaborations further. His dedication to these initiatives is further highlighted by his recent appeal for the expeditious release of the $5 million grant from IFAD, which underscores his commitment to enhancing food security programs in Nigeria.
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As Nigeria continues to face pressing agricultural challenges, Kyari’s leadership in both national and international arenas becomes increasingly pivotal in driving sustainable development and ensuring food security for future generations. With his strategic position at IFAD, Kyari is well-placed to amplify these efforts on a global stage. With this platform, he can effectively advocate for increased investments and support for initiatives that directly impact smallholder farmers, thereby reinforcing his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Kyari’s focus on empowering smallholder farmers not only addresses urgent food security concerns but also lays the framework for a more fair and sustainable agricultural future. His strategic ideas and international alliances are not only critical for Nigeria, but they also establish an example for other countries attempting to address similar agricultural difficulties.
Senator Kyari is well-positioned to spearhead dramatic changes that will inspire similar efforts across the African continent, drawing on his considerable experience and strategic vision. Through this leadership position, he can support projects that prioritize climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring that Nigeria and other countries are better prepared to deal with the negative effects of climate change on food systems.
Kyari is strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting programs like climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management. Kyari’s initiatives not only increase Nigeria’s agricultural output, but they also help to improve global food security by building collaborative collaborations and sharing creative solutions.
Furthermore, his focus on enhancing agricultural infrastructure and facilitating access to modern farming technologies is pivotal in driving sustainable growth and development within the sector. By fostering these advancements, Kyari is effectively bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural innovations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and productivity of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
* Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman
China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the area of mechanized agriculture to achieve food security in the country.
This commitment was made at the 2025 Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery Exhibition and New Distributor Channel Fair, held at the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Ushafa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The event featured the exhibition and demonstration of the RK 754-A and RK 504-A tractors, both manufactured by Chinese company.
Zoomlion Marketing Director, Jerry Wu said the tractors are efficient, durable, cost-effective, and provide easy access to spare parts.
He pledged China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization.
He said: “China is committed to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization. Our advanced machinery is designed to empower farmers, enabling them to achieve greater yields and contribute to the nation’s food security.”
In his remarks, the Principal Agricultural Engineer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hillary Aroboinosen stated that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives through public-private partnerships and facilitating the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers.
He said: “The role of mechanization in transforming agriculture cannot be overstated. Modern agricultural machinery has the potential to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and commercially viable farming, enabling our farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change, rising population demands, and global market competition.
“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives. Through strategic programs like this, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building projects, we aim to facilitate the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers, especially for small-scale operators and promote training and skills development to ensure the effective use of modern equipment.
“Exhibitions like this one are pivotal in demonstrating the latest innovations, fostering collaborations, and empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive. ”
Other stakeholders including social critic and politician Buba Galadima emphasized the importance of agricultural mechanization in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and generating revenue in Nigeria.
The exhibition also included the signing of contracts between Zoomlion and new distributors, as well as the presentation of gifts to attendees.
China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
Coalition of Civil Societies Organisations and several agricultural experts including farmers have proposed a bill for an Act for the prohibition of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) in Nigeria, insisting that it is to guide against degeneration of health and wellbeing of Nigerians
The experts who took turns to speak at a press conference on investigative research and public hearing on GMOs.held on Wednesday in Abuja, said the proliferation of GMOs in the country is worrisome and should be outlawed in the country.
The Programme Manager of Health of the Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Joyce Brown lamented that the Nigeria Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) is yet to conduct any clinical trials on the GMOs being brought into the country, claiming that what is seen on their website is the applications for bringing in GMOs into the country with no assessments report to actually certify that the GMOs are safe.
She said the country does not need GMOs to solve it’s food insecurity, insisting that food insecurity is caused by poverty, insecurity, inequality among others, noting that instead of resorting to GMOs, the country should rather addressed the problems.
She however advised that looking at the country’s agricultural landscape, a sustainable approach such as agroecology should be adopted to boost food production and not GMOs
On his part, a renowned teacher and agricultural consultant, Prof Johnson Ekpere said that the previous government ratified GMO without understanding the basic precepts that guide GMO which is the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety
He stressed that the government must ensure that the basic tenets that guide this protocol is understood by those implementing the law for successful adoption and integration.
He also called on the government to set up a biosafety research facility that will help them understand what they are doing and take drastic risk assessment of our biotechnology
The Deputy Director of Center for Food Safety and Agricultural Research, Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua stated that NBMA should be a biosafety regulatory agency not a management agency, insisting that the misapplication of their names has translated them into a promoter of foreign technology that are at the detriment of Nigerians
He however warned that that the unregulated biosafety research can exercebate biosafety challenges which is what is currently manifesting in Nigeria as the chemical pesticides used are known disruptors of echo systems.
Another expert, Dr Segun Adebayo called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Completion and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to rise up their duty by controlling what is being brought into the country saying Nigerians are eating poison.
A farmer Mrs Ejim Nnena insisted that farmers say No to GMO as the adoption of the technology means poverty, serious nutrition crisis among others.
She maintained that if they are given GMO seeds and cannot replant it, it is poverty in disguise adding that if they have to spray chemicals to enable the seed germinate properly that means farmers are being pushed out of the field into slavery..
She said what farmers are asking for is adequate security on the farms, extension workers to guide the, mapped out areas for farm activities, provide seed banks.
Experts, CSOs Propose Bill to Outlaw Genetically Modified Crops in Nigeria
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