FACAN calls for subsidy on agricultural inputs to boost productivity
By Felicia Imohimi
The Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) has called on the government to subsidise agricultural inputs to enhance productivity and make food more affordable for the public.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the National President of FACAN, Sheriff Balogun, expressed concern over the steep rise in the cost of agricultural inputs.
He commended the reduction in prices of some commodities across the country but stressed that this should be complemented by government subsidies for agricultural inputs.
Balogun noted that farmers spent significant amounts on inputs during the previous farming season and warned that many would stop farming if the government and other stakeholders failed to provide subsidised inputs.
He highlighted key inputs, including fertiliser, pesticides, agrochemicals, and improved seedlings.
“As much as we are fighting inflation and want food prices to decrease for affordability, the cost of inputs must also go down, or the government should provide subsidised inputs for farmers,” he said.
He stressed the importance of food security, acknowledging the challenges of expensive inputs.
While expressing satisfaction with the falling prices of some commodities, he pointed out that the high cost of inputs remained a major concern.
Balogun cautioned that if prices drop in 2025 below farmers’ investments, a crisis could arise in 2026, as many farmers would not be able to afford to continue farming.
In addition to high input costs, Balogun identified other challenges faced by farmers, including inadequate infrastructure, poor transportation, limited access to export opportunities, and insufficient extension services.
He also called for the establishment of warehouses at farm gates to help farmers store their produce and reduce the significant post-harvest losses currently experienced. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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