Taraba farmers grapple with plummeting prices despite abundant harvests

As harvest season reaches its height in Taraba State, farmers are facing an unexpected problem. Despite the abundant crops, the prices for food produce have dropped to levels not seen in years, leaving many growers worried and struggling.

In areas such as Gashaka, Bali, Donga, and Gassol local government councils, a 100kg sack of freshly gathered maize now fetches between N15,000 and N17,000, according to reports from the field.

Similarly, groundnut costs have dropped sharply, from N40,000 to around N25,000 per 100kg bag, while melon (Agushi/Egusi) prices have halved, falling from N90,000 to about N45,000.

The downturn has also affected sesame seeds, with current values nearly halving from N110,000 to N55,000, reflecting the widespread bumper yields in the region.

Garri, both yellow and white varieties, have seen their prices reduced from N100,000 to an average range of N45,000 to N50,000. Old maize stocks have fared worse, with prices plummeting to between N24,000 and N26,000 per 100kg in markets like Bali, Jatau, Maihula, and Suntai.

White beans and soya beans, staples in the local diet and economy, have not been spared, white beans have diminished in value from N90,000 to N60,000, while soya has slumped from N80,000 to N45,000. Other agricultural products such as millet, sorghum, cassava flour, and tubers are similarly affected.

Saidu Garba, a prominent large-scale farmer, shared that despite the abundant yields of melon and sesame this year, the prices remain discouraging.

The returns do not match the investments made to cultivate these crops – he lamented

Saidu pointed to a decline in middlemen, who traditionally purchased large quantities directly from farmers. With fewer buyers in the market, commodity prices have plummeted even further. Nevertheless, he stressed that most farmers remain committed to their vocation despite the economic hardships.

The farmer also expressed disappointment at the absence of government-backed support such as subsidized farm inputs, which he believes could alleviate some of the financial strain on producers.

Stakeholders hope for interventions that will stabilize prices and reward the hard work of those who sustain the nation’s food supply.