By Mohammed Mamman
Gujba (Yobe) – Farmers in Yobe have appealed to governments and Non-governmental Organisations for early support to take advantage of the pattern of rainfall in the state for maximum yields.
The farmers made the call on Tuesday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu, saying this would enhance food security and economic recovery.
Musa Bakoro, a farmer in Horoniwa village, said farmers needed to be supported with the agricultural inputs for timely planting and application.
“We need improved seeds to be planted at the right time as soon as the rain arrives; apply fertilisers and herbicides at the right time to ensure good yields,” he said.
Another farmer, Bukar Kolo, attributed poor yields recorded in some parts of the state in 2017 to late planting, poor rains and lack of fertilisers for application on the farms.
“The communities have mostly returned and engaged in farming activities to reclaim their economic lives but the late support given to them resulted in bad harvests in some communities.
“The new specie of sorghum provided to returnee communities in Gujba Local Government Area last year, were planted late and the rains ceased early leaving farmers with poor harvests,” Kolo said.
Liman Abba said he would expand his farm this season in spite of the challenges faced in 2017, to boost economic recovery.
“With the relative peace and security achieved, we will move further into the hinter lands to cultivate new farmlands for increased productivity.
“We appeal to governments and NGOs to support us with timely provision of inputs so that we can commence cultivation as soon as the rain sets in,” Abba said.
NAN reports that many farmers had during the 2017 planting season lost their farms to late planting, poor rains and outbreak of pests. (NAN)