Some farmers in Bauchi have expressed concern over the high cost of labour and transportation amid poor yields at harvest.

A cross-section of the farmers who spoke in separate interviews with journalists on Wednesday in Bauchi said the trend exposed them to losses and made agriculture less attractive.

Samuel Maina, a rice grower, decried the hikes in transport fares, which shot up by about 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.

He said the truck drivers now charge N20,000 per trip, as against N14,000 in the previous season.

Mr Maina attributed the hike in transport fare to high petrol prices and a lack of adequate trucks in the area.

He said that rice farmers recorded low yields at harvest due to the low volume of rainfall in the area.

“Many farms wilted as the farmers could not afford exorbitant fertiliser prices, and inadequate rains compounded the situation,” he said.

Another farmer, Adamu Mohammed, said the cost of hiring farm labourers had skyrocketed compared to the previous season.

“This year, a labourer charges between N5,000 and N4,000 per day as against N2,000.

“The situation is unsustainable for smallholder farmers struggling to recover their investments,” he said.

He said the trend would discourage farmers from expanding cultivation next season and impact food supply in local markets.

Bukar Jalingo, member of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), called for proactive farmer support programmes, rural transportation systems and farm mechanisation initiatives.

“Farming is not just a business; it is the backbone of our nation’s survival. If farmers are not supported, food insecurity will worsen,” Mr Jalingo said.

“It is good to provide affordable access to fuel, inputs and improved infrastructure to ease farmers’ burdens and encourage productivity,” he said.

(NAN)