AFAN's Nuhu Aminu Warns of Food Crisis Amid Poor Harvests

Nuhu Aminu, the Kaduna State chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), warned that poor harvests of maize and rice due to inadequate and irregular rainfall could exacerbate food insecurity in Nigeria. He stated that the insufficient rainfall during the 2026 farming season negatively impacted crop growth and yield, leading to reduced harvests.

The price of maize has surged from about N20,000 to between N30,000 and N40,000 per bag, while local rice prices have increased from N48,000 to between N62,000 and N70,000. Aminu urged the government to enhance support for dry-season farming to mitigate food production shortfalls.

A farmer named Tambaya reported that unpredictable weather forced him to replant crops, increasing his costs. He invested over N6 million in eight hectares of farmland, with uncertain returns.

Food trader Ngozi Edeh expressed concerns over rising food prices affecting consumers' purchasing power. Agricultural expert Yunusa Abdullahi called for government investment in irrigation infrastructure to reduce reliance on rainfall.