Farmers in Agaie local government area of Niger State have identified pest outbreaks as a major challenge in their operations, while highlighting the area’s relative security stability compared to other regions in the state.
This was made known in an interview session with ASHENEWS reporter on farmer’s experiences on pest infestation, market conditions and overall farming activities in Agaie.
Aliyu Mohammed, a farmer in Agaie, explained how pest infestation has affected his farm, particularly during the planting and growing seasons adding that insecticide has been the way out in controlling it.
“Yes, I have experienced pests on my farm,” Mohammed said. “I managed the situation through the use of insecticides to control the pests and protect my crops.”
On the issues of insecurity which has ravaged some parts of Niger state bringing farming activities to a total hurt, Mohammed who farms cassava, beans and rice testified that insecurity and farm theft have not affected his farming activities, describing the community as peaceful.
“No, insecurity has not affected my work in any way,” he affirmed
He further told ASHENEWS how he is satisfied with current market prices stressing that transportation has not posed any challenge to him due to personal means of mobility.
“Yes, I do sell my farm produce, and the prices are not bad. I have a car, so I don’t face challenges transporting my farm produce,” Mohammed said.
Another farmer, Musa Aliyu, also confirmed experiencing pest infestation but said effective management depends on identifying the specific pest affecting each crop. “pests affect our farms,” Aliyu said. “The pests vary, so I try to get the insecticide that works for the kind of pest I am experiencing, because it differs from crop to crop.”
Aliyu assured ASHENEWS that insecurity has not been an issue of concern in the community and expressed optimism that the area remains peaceful.
“There is no insecurity here in Agaie, and we pray we don’t experience that,” he said.
He went ahead to disclose that most farm products are sold in Agaie market describing the current drop in food prices as a general trend, “I sell my produce here in Agaie market. Food prices have dropped, and it is a universal thing.”
Aliyu added that he does not face challenges in transporting or marketing his produce. His major farm products include maize and rice.
Mohammed Abdullahi, a small-scale farmer, noted that he has also experienced pest infestation on his farm saying the use of insecticides helped to curtail there efforts.
“I have experienced pests. I managed it through the use of insecticides.”
However, Abdullahi explained that his farming activities are mainly for household consumption rather than commercial purposes.
“I don’t sell my farm produce because I don’t farm much. What I farm is mainly for my family. I hardly buy farm products, and I don’t have any challenges.
The farmers collectively emphasized the importance of access to effective farm inputs and sustained peace in rural communities to ensure continued food production and household food security in Agaie Local Government Area.
