As bumper harvests are being recorded across parts of Nigeria, the expected drop in food prices has resulted in mixed outcomes across Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States.
In Kano State, the influx of newly harvested crops into the markets has led to a significant reduction in the prices of some food items. A survey by Pathway News revealed that the price of grains, such as maize and millet, has decreased, with maize dropping from ₦105,000 to ₦95,000 per bag, and millet from ₦90,000 to ₦80,000 per bag. However, local rice continues to be in high demand, maintaining a high price range of between ₦150,000 and ₦170,000 per bag. Tomatoes have also seen a price drop, with a bowl now selling for ₦2,400 compared to ₦3,200 previously.
In contrast, parts of Kaduna and Katsina States have not experienced the same relief. In Kaduna city, the prices of food items have remained relatively unchanged. Sellers and consumers alike reported no significant reduction in prices, with rice still being sold at ₦2,400 per measure, beans at ₦2,700, and wheat at ₦1,600. Similarly, in Katsina State, while the prices of perishable goods like tomatoes have decreased, staple food items such as millet and maize have remained high.
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The varying food prices have been attributed to several factors, including the impact of recent rains on certain crops and the ongoing high demand for others. Traders in Kano attributed the price stability of onions to supply shortages caused by weather conditions, while the surplus of tomatoes due to successful harvests has led to lower prices.
Despite these fluctuations, there is hope among consumers and farmers that prices will stabilize or decrease further as more crops are harvested and brought to market. The ongoing harvest period, coupled with the government’s efforts to reduce import duties on food items and provide subsidized fertilizers, is expected to further influence food prices in the coming months.
Farmers in Kafanchan and Zaria, Kaduna State, expressed optimism that food prices will continue to drop as the harvest season progresses. However, they also warned that the impact of these harvests might not be felt uniformly across all regions, given the differences in local agricultural conditions and market dynamics.
In Katsina, Governor Dikko Radda has emphasized the importance of agricultural productivity in fighting poverty. The state government has taken steps to support farmers by providing subsidized fertilizers and enhancing extension services to improve farming practices. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost agricultural output and reduce food prices in the state.
While the bumper harvests have brought some relief to certain regions, the overall impact on food prices remains uneven, highlighting the complexities of Nigeria’s agricultural and economic landscape.
