The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has stated that food production in the country can be sustained if the government reduces its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and instead promotes dry-season irrigation farming nationwide.
The AFAN Delta State Chairman, Mr Richard Asenime, said this during an interview on Tuesday in Asaba.
Asenime was responding to a recent forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which predicted heavy rainfall and flash floods in at least 13 states across the federation.
He noted that while natural phenomena like rainfall could not be controlled, their implications for agriculture were serious, particularly 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.
“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.
“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.
“Some farmers were able to plant, and while the crops performed well in some areas, they didn’t do so well in others.
“Short-term crops may be harvested in time, but we may face challenges with long-term crops like yam,” he said.
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.