Ebonyi Farmers Face Rising Costs Ahead of Planting Season

Farmers in Ebonyi State are lamenting the rising costs of farm inputs and labor as they prepare for the 2026 planting season. A cross-section of farmers, including Mr.

Joseph Ugwuok and Mr. Chukwuma Nkwuda, reported that the price of fertilizers has doubled compared to the previous year, making it difficult to cope with the current planting season.

Labor costs have also significantly increased, with farmers unable to afford to hire workers for land clearing and planting. Mr.

Joshua Ok noted that labor costs for yam cultivation range from N200 to N500, while the total payment for clearing grass farmland can reach N10,000 to N15,000. Ms.

Bless Nwori highlighted that the prices of agrochemicals, including herbicides, have risen sharply, with herbicides selling for N5,000 compared to N3,000 in 2025. Mr.

Nkechinyer Iyioku from the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture acknowledged the challenges and emphasized the need for government intervention to boost food security efforts.