News in Brief:
– AFAN has advised Nigerian farmers to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and adopt dry-season irrigation farming to sustain food production in the country.
– The association also called for government support for irrigation initiatives, as it plans to engage with the Niger Delta River Basin Authority soon.
Nigerian farmers have been advised to reduce their reliance on rain-fed agriculture and adopt dry-season irrigation farming to sustain food production in the country.
Delta State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Richard Asenime, gave this advice during an interview in Asaba on Tuesday.
He was responding to the recent forecast of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted heavy rainfall and flash floods in at least 13 states across the federation.
Nigeria to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture
Mr Asenime noted that food production in Nigeria can only be sustained if the country reduces its reliance on rain-fed agriculture because farmers neither have control over the availability of rain nor are capable of shielding their farms from floods.
“The NiMet prediction of flash floods affecting almost 13 states, including Delta State, is very unfortunate for us. This is a year where the rains started late, and now we’re being warned that there will be intense rainfall and flash flooding,” he said.
He explained that the implications of the extreme rainfall patterns, brought about by climate change, for agriculture are severe, leading to food shortages and rising prices of agricultural products.
“Farmers are likely to be at the losing end, as heavy rains could wash away crops before they mature and are ready for harvest. The business of farming is not easy, but we thank God. Truly, we have no control over climate change. It’s a tough situation, but we are praying for enough time to harvest before any calamity occurs,” he said.
Asenime explained that AFAN had previously advised farmers to begin planting as soon as the rains started, but the rain was inconsistent. Although some farmers were able to plant in time, crops planted performed better in some areas than others.
He, however, noted that while short-term crops can still be harvested on time, the challenge lies with long-term crops like yams, which may not be so fortunate.
Government should support dry-season irrigation farming
He called on the federal government to support dry-season irrigation farming and encourage transborder food trade to prevent shortages and mitigate soaring food prices, should the predictions materialise.
“It is clear that we may face food supply challenges. I foresee a rise in food prices. But the government can support transborder trade by allowing food imports from neighbouring countries. This will help bridge the food gap and stabilise prices caused by the rains and potential flooding. Also, the government should reduce its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and invest in irrigation-based dry season farming,” he said.
Asenime added that AFAN would be engaging with the top management of the newly established Niger Delta River Basin Authority in Port Harcourt to discuss modalities for expanding dry season irrigation farming in Delta State.
