News in brief: Nigerian farmers, represented by COMAFAS, have called on the president to address food inflation concerns as they prepare for the 2023 dry season planting. They cite the high cost of farm inputs and request access to credit and financial assistance to boost food production amid record-high inflation rates in the country.
Nigerian farmers, under the Community Allied Farmers Association of Nigeria (COMAFAS), have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter of food inflation.
The farmers’ collective are making the request ahead of the 2023 dry season planting in Nigeria. Chairman of the association, Alhaji Lawal Shehu Garba told reporters that the high cost of farm inputs such as fertiliser, seeds, and pesticides is making it difficult for farmers to produce food.
They also called on the government to provide them with access to credit and other financial assistance to help them boost their production.
The body acknowledged the government’s efforts towards boosting food security in the country. They also mentioned the administration’s recent declaration of emergency on food security.
However they urged for more action to bolster food production in the country by way of provision of farm inputs. Furthermore, the farmers expressed willingness to work with the government to achieve the dream of a food secured Nigeria.
Their appeal comes at a time when food prices in Nigeria are at an all-time high. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in July 2023, the country’s inflation rate rose to 23.75%, the highest level on record in 17 years.
