Local farmers have praised the recent decline in food inflation for July, as reported by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), while advocating for continued government support to maintain this positive trend.
According to pathwaynews in Lagos, Southwest Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr. Femi Oke, credited the drop to the Federal Government’s palliatives and subsidies on agro-inputs. Oke highlighted that these measures have significantly benefited the agricultural sector, leading to lower food prices.
“It is commendable that the food inflation rate has decreased, and it reflects the government’s increased focus on agriculture,” Oke said. He noted that subsidies and timely agricultural advice, particularly related to climate change, have helped farmers avoid crop losses and capital depletion.
Oke expressed hope that continued government palliatives would sustain the reduction in food inflation. He also praised the government’s promotion of mechanized farming, which he believes could enable year-round production if consistently applied.
The AFAN chairman pointed out that the prices of tomatoes and habanero peppers have notably dropped, attributing this to both government interventions and the harvest season. However, he stressed the need for more extension service agents to educate farmers on best practices for improved yields, including seed varieties, soil testing, and the application of fertilizers and agrochemicals.
Mr. Mojeed Iyiola, Lagos State Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), also called for sustained efforts to stabilize food prices. Iyiola acknowledged that the drop in food inflation is partly due to the harvest season but warned that without ongoing measures, prices could rise again.
“Recent price drops, such as the reduction in yam prices, are temporary and influenced by harvests,” Iyiola said. He emphasized the importance of long-term government support to prevent future price hikes and suggested investing in irrigation systems to ensure consistent harvests, especially given the challenges of inadequate rainfall.
Both Oke and Iyiola agreed on the need for sustainable programs to address factors driving food price fluctuations and to support the agricultural sector effectively.
