Despite recent government policy changes in Niger aimed at stabilizing farm produce prices, reports from ASHENEWS indicate that the prices of agricultural goods continue to stay elevated.
The state’s executive governor, two weeks ago, imposed a ban on speculators who were exploiting local markets by diverting farm produce to other states and neighboring countries.
Despite this measure, consumers in markets such as Kuta in Shiroro local government and surrounding areas have voiced their concerns over the continued high prices of agricultural products.
Tunde Ezekiel, a shopper in Kuta market, expressed his frustration, stating, “Before the protest, one mudu of rice was N1,800, some even sold at N2,000, and one mudu of maize was N700. Now, a mudu of maize is sold at N800. Nothing is coming down.”
Similar views were resounded in Kasuwan Gwari, Minna, the capital city of Niger State, by Rahama Isa, who said, “Even with protests, things have not changed. Some items are even going up. I wonder where we are going in this country.”
Farmers like Jamilu Baidna responding to the reasons behind the price hikes, citing the unexpected increase in the cost of fertilizer as a significant issue.
Baidna said that there is a need for government intervention to reduce fertilizer prices, stating, “What do you expect? The price of fertilizer has dramatically gone up. I farm also for commercial purposes. Talk to the government to cut down the price of fertilizer, and watch me cut down the prices of my harvests.”
ALSO READ: FG should raise funding for agriculture – Expert
In a telephone interview, Kuta market chief Mr. Haruna Pada further elaborated on the causes of the price hikes and proposed mitigative measures.
“The incessant price hike of farm produce is not only limited to rising costs of fertilizer and other agricultural enhancers but is, of course, the major cause,” he explained.
Mr. Pada added that “continuous hike in premium motor spirit on transportation costs, adds to the difficulty, which then affects the prices of farm produce.
While commending the state government’s initiative, Mr. Pada called for additional measures to mitigate the rising prices.
“The governor’s policy is commendable; it’s a very good measure. But I will, at the state level, call on the attention of the government to intervene by subsidizing the price of fertilizers and other enhancers. This way, most certainly, our local farmers will heed us,” he urged.
“Farmers like all others, use petrol to transport those farm produce to various places and you and I know how much petrol is bought today, this is where the attention of the federal government is earnestly needed.” Mr, Pada pleaded.
