Local maize production costs rise by 69.7% – NARLS

The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services on Friday released its 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance report, revealing increases in production costs for staple crops like rice and maize.

According to the Executive Director of NARLS, Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, maize production costs have skyrocketed by 69.7 per cent from N330,621 in 2023 to N561,237 per hectare.

He added that rice production costs have surged by 37.8 per cent, from N423,400 per hectare in 2023 to N583,505 in 2024.

“This dramatic increase in production costs will create significant barriers for many families in Nigeria, making it more difficult for them to access these essential food items,” Ikani stated during the report’s presentation in Abuja.

The report emphasized the difficult agricultural environment influenced by unfavourable weather conditions.

The rainfall data indicated a substantial decrease in 2024, resulting in a widespread dry spell across 33 states and escalating pest and disease infestations that have devastated various crops.

Ikani noted, “The dry conditions have led to lower yields, compounding the already high production costs.”

In addition, the report detailed the devastating impact of flooding across 31 states, particularly in the North-East region.

Ikani noted that the heavy rains, exacerbated by a collapsed dam, resulted in tragic consequences, including 280 human deaths, 2,504 injuries, and the destruction of over 122,000 houses, 17,000 farmlands and a staggering 641,500 people who had been displaced as a result of those disasters.

The report showed that the costs of agricultural inputs had also risen sharply, with fertilizer prices seeing significant hikes.

It added that the average cost of NPK fertilizer increased from N25,400 in 2023 to N42,000 in 2024, marking a 65.4 per cent rise.

Similarly, the price of urea has jumped by 84.8 per cent to about N41,300.

“Farmers are facing a perfect storm of rising costs and declining yields,” Ikani remarked.

He highlighted that 32 states were grappling with high hiring costs, and many faced difficulties with tractor availability and maintenance, underscoring a pressing need for improved agricultural mechanisation.

According to NARLS, the profile of farmers surveyed reveals a mean age of 47, with 69 per cent being male and an average household size of nine.

It noted that 87 per cent of the respondents were sole crop farmers, yet only 22 per cent utilised tractors during the 2024 production cycle.

To address those challenges, the report recommended several strategic initiatives, including the establishment of an agricultural trust fund for emergencies and increased investments in climate-resilient agriculture.

Speaking at the unveiling of the report, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi,  emphasised the urgent need for mechanisation to enhance Nigeria’s food security.

He urged the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services to convene a roundtable involving key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

“I urge NARLS to create a platform that consolidates our mechanisation tools and brings relevant industries to the table under the ministry’s guidance,” Abdullahi stated.

He underscored the importance of collaboration among departments, including mechanisation and agribusiness, to achieve their collective goals.

 Abdullahi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to addressing the agricultural challenges facing Nigeria.

“We aim to leverage all available resources in the agricultural sector,” he said, highlighting the critical role of NAERLS in advancing agricultural extension research and providing essential feedback.

The report also indicated an increase in the use of improved seed varieties, with 62 per cent of Nigerians now planting those seeds, compared to just 2.5 per cent last year.

The minister also acknowledged the changing rainfall patterns, which might extend into November, and pledged to harness the country’s natural resources to boost food production.

“We will ensure that our blessings translate into improved livelihoods for all citizens,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Temitope Fashedemi, emphasised the importance of the NAERLS report in providing valuable feedback on agricultural initiatives.

“An independent assessment is crucial for gaining objective insights,” he noted.