Reps seek price stability policies to save farmers from losses

Nigeria's House of Representatives has sounded the alarm over the precarious financial situation of farmers, calling for urgent government intervention to stabilize the prices of agricultural produce. The resolution, stemming from a motion by lawmaker Bamidele Salam, highlights a disturbing trend of sharp price declines across both staple and perishable crops, jeopardizing the livelihoods of farmers who have invested substantial resources.

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There has been a persistent sharp decline in the prices of farm produce across the country, affecting staple crops and perishable agricultural commodities such as cassava, rice, and yams, among others.

Salam articulated that the current crisis is rooted in structural weaknesses within the agricultural value chain, particularly post-harvest. The absence of robust off-taking mechanisms, insufficient storage facilities, and inadequate market linkages exacerbate post-harvest losses and leave farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations. This situation not only threatens individual farmers but also poses a significant risk to national food security, potentially leading to reduced agricultural investment, decreased productivity, and increased reliance on imports.

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The House observes that the absence of structured off-taking mechanisms, inadequate storage facilities, weak agro-processing capacity, and poor market linkages have exacerbated post-harvest losses and deepened farmers’ vulnerability to market fluctuations.

The lawmakers expressed deep concern that if left unaddressed, falling farm prices could drive farmers out of business, worsen rural apathy towards farming, and negatively impact national nutrition outcomes. The House's call for remedial measures, including structured off-taking arrangements and price support mechanisms, signifies a critical step towards safeguarding the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy, crucial for employment, rural livelihoods, and GDP contribution.

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We are worried that, if left unaddressed, falling farm prices could drive farmers out of business, cut agricultural investment and productivity, and worsen rural apathy toward farming, thereby threatening national food security through food shortages, price inflation, and greater reliance on imports.