The National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) has unveiled its 2024 Wet Season Agricultural Performance report, highlighting significant increases in production costs for staple crops such as rice and maize.
According to Prof. Emmanuel Ikani, the Executive Director of NAERLS, the cost of maize production soared by 69.7%, rising from N330,621 per hectare in 2023 to N561,237 in 2024. Rice production costs also jumped by 37.8%, increasing from N423,400 to N583,505 per hectare. “This dramatic increase in production costs will create significant barriers for many families in Nigeria, making it more difficult for them to access these essential food items,” Ikani warned during the report’s presentation in Abuja.
The report underscores the harsh agricultural conditions exacerbated by unfavorable weather. Rainfall data indicates a significant decrease in 2024, leading to a widespread dry spell across 33 states, which, combined with escalating pest and disease infestations, has severely impacted crop yields. “The dry conditions have led to lower yields, compounding the already high production costs,” Ikani explained.
The report also highlights the catastrophic impact of flooding in 31 states, particularly in the North-East region. Heavy rains, intensified by a collapsed dam, resulted in tragic losses: 280 deaths, 2,504 injuries, and the destruction of over 122,000 homes and 17,000 farmlands, displacing approximately 641,500 people.
Additionally, the cost of agricultural inputs has sharply increased, with fertilizer prices rising dramatically. The average cost of NPK fertilizer surged from N25,400 in 2023 to N42,000 in 2024, a rise of 65.4%. Urea prices jumped by 84.8% to about N41,300. “Farmers are facing a perfect storm of rising costs and declining yields,” Ikani stated.
The report notes that 32 states are struggling with high hiring costs, and many farmers encounter challenges related to tractor availability and maintenance, indicating a critical need for improved agricultural mechanization. The profile of surveyed farmers reveals a mean age of 47, with 69% being male and an average household size of nine. While 87% of respondents were sole crop farmers, only 22% utilized tractors in the 2024 production cycle.
To address these pressing challenges, the report recommends several strategic initiatives, including establishing an agricultural trust fund for emergencies and increasing investments in climate-resilient agriculture.
During the report’s launch, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized the urgent need for mechanization to bolster Nigeria’s food security. He urged NAERLS to convene a roundtable with key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, stating, “I urge NARLS to create a platform that consolidates our mechanization tools and brings relevant industries to the table under the ministry’s guidance.”
Abdullahi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to addressing agricultural challenges, stating, “We aim to leverage all available resources in the agricultural sector,” and stressed NAERLS’s critical role in advancing agricultural extension research and providing essential feedback.
The report also noted an increase in the use of improved seed varieties, with 62% of Nigerians now planting these seeds, up from just 2.5% last year. The minister acknowledged the changing rainfall patterns, which may extend into November, and pledged to utilize the country’s natural resources to enhance food production. “We will ensure that our blessings translate into improved livelihoods for all citizens,” he asserted.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, emphasized the importance of the NAERLS report in providing valuable feedback on agricultural initiatives, stating, “An independent assessment is crucial for gaining objective insights.”
