Yobe State: Farmers Seeks Government intervention in crops damage control
Farmers in Yobe state seek the immediate intervention of the state government to apply pesticides on grasshoppers and other pests, which have been occupying and destroying beans, sorghum, as well as other crops in some parts of the state.
Both irrigation and seasonal farmers are concern over the development, calling on the government to intervene to bring a lasting solution.
One farmers affected by this disaster, Bulama Madu Tada, said the pests had attacked and occupied his 40 days of beans to grow.
‘Pests are disturbing our seedlings. We planted our crops, hoping that in the next few days, we would start harvesting 40-day beans, now new things have begun.
‘‘If we are getting subsidised fertilisers and enough pesticides, the state would record bumper harvest and production. But for now, with this disturbance of pests to our farms, I don’t think the story will be good,’’ he said.
While calling on the state government to provide pesticides to the farmers, Mr Tada said, The Yobe State Government should come to there rescue before the pests completely destroys their farms.
Adamu Umar, a pepper farmer, said “this is the second time I am planting pepper and grasshoppers are destroying it. I even bought small pesticides to broadcast on the farm, but these insects will not allow me to plant anything.”
Muhammad Bawa, who farms sorghum, sesame, millet and beans farm, said lack of fertiliser and the influx of insects and grasshoppers, among other pests, were among the major challenges farmers Yobe State faced.
‘‘There is no fertiliser, and more unfortunately, grasshoppers and other pests occupied and destroyed many farms in our area.We are calling on the government to come to our aid by providing pesticides so that farmers can reap what they sow,’’ he said.
When contacted, the chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Yobe State chapter, Alhaji Usman Ngari, said the union had received information on the influx of grasshoppers to Yobe, which have been destroying crops on various farms.
‘‘Yes, we have received information that grasshoppers and other pests are destroying crops and seeds, especially sorghum in my area, southern Damaturu. They mainly attack germinating seedlings and can attack any type of plant.
‘‘Some areas like Yusufari Local Government are infested by deadly pests, raising fears of food shortage in the state. We immediately reported the matter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,’’ he said.
He called on the state government to intervene in order to bring a lasting solution to the menace.
Responding to the situation, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Musa Abba Kolere stated, ‘‘Our Department of Produce and Pest Control will be at the site for assessment and necessary advice. We received complaints about some pests, especially in Yunusari Local Government,” he explained.
Lucy / Daily Trust
