Gerio Farmers Laments Rising Costs, Seek Intervention

Farmers under the umbrella of the Gerio Farmers Association in Adamawa State have raised serious concerns over the growing hardship confronting their members following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, since 2023.

The farmers say the policy has triggered a sharp increase in the cost of agricultural inputs and services, making farming increasingly unaffordable for smallholder farmers in the area.

According to the association, essential farm implements such as fertilizer, seedlings, herbicides, tractors, and other mechanized services have become excessively expensive, stretching the already limited resources of farmers.

Officials of the association explained that while the prices of food items in local markets have dropped significantly in recent months, the cost of farm inputs has not experienced a corresponding reduction.

They noted that this imbalance has left farmers operating at a loss, as proceeds from the sale of farm produce can no longer cover production expenses.

The situation, they warned, poses a serious threat to the upcoming dry season farming. Many farmers, the association revealed, are apprehensive about returning to their farms, fearing they may be unable to finance cultivation due to the high cost of inputs.

Some members have already indicated plans to suspend farming activities unless urgent steps are taken to ease the burden.

Speaking on behalf of the association, its Chairman Abubakar Mohammed called on the federal and Adamawa State governments to urgently intervene by subsidizing farm inputs, improving access to affordable tractors and mechanized services, and implementing targeted support programmes for farmers affected by the subsidy removal.

They stressed that without timely government action, food production in the area could decline further, with negative implications for food security, farmers’ livelihoods, and the broader economy.

The Gerio Farmers Associatio appealed to relevant authorities to treat the matter as a priority, noting that supporting farmers remains critical to sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring affordable food for the populace.