Farmers in Yobe have sought the immediate intervention of the state government to apply pesticides on grasshoppers and other pests, which have been occupying and destroying beans, sorghum, as well as other crops in some parts of the state.
Both irrigation and seasonal farmers in the Yobe had already expressed concern over the development, calling on the government to intervene to bring a lasting solution.
One farmer affected by this disaster, Bulama Madu Tada, said the pests had attacked and occupied his 40 days of beans to grow.
‘‘Pests were disturbing our seedlings. We planted our crops, hoping that in the next few days, we would start harvesting 40-day beans, now new things have begun.
‘‘If we are getting subsidised fertilisers and enough pesticides, the state would record bumper harvest and production. But for now, with this disturbance of pests to our farms, I don’t think the story will be good,’’ he said.
While calling on the state government to provide pesticides to the farmers, Mr Tada said, ‘‘The Yobe State Government should come to our rescue before these pests completely destroys our farms.’’
Adamu Umar, a pepper farmer, said the state and the federal government were not paying attention to the locals, which is why many farmers are dying of hunger and tension as a result of careless of the government to address issues that affected her citizen.
‘‘This is the second time I am planting pepper seeds and grasshoppers are destroying it. I even bought small pesticides to broadcast on the farm. But the worst part of it is that if care is not taken, these insects will not allow me to plan anything; and I might die of hunger. The government will not even care to investigate the matter. That is the truth,’’ he said.
Muhammad Bawa, who spoke with Daily Trust on Sunday on his sorghum, sesame, millet and beans farm, said lack of fertiliser and the influx of insects and grasshoppers, among other pests, were among the major challenges farmers Yobe State faced.
‘‘There is no fertiliser, and more unfortunately, grasshoppers and other pests occupied and destroyed many farms in our area.
‘‘We are calling on the government to come to our aid by providing pesticides so that farmers can reap what they sow,’’ he said.
When contacted, the chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Yobe State chapter, Alhaji Usman Ngari, said the union had received information on the influx of grasshoppers to Yobe, which have been destroying crops on various farms.
‘‘Yes, we have received information that grasshoppers and other pests are destroying crops and seeds, especially sorghum in my area, southern Damaturu.
‘‘They mainly attack germinating seedlings and can attack any type of plant.
‘‘Some areas like Yusufari Local Government are infested by deadly pests, raising fears of food shortage in the state. We immediately reported the matter to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources,’’ he said.
He called on the state government to intervene in order to bring a lasting solution to the menace.
Responding to a text message on the situation, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Musa Abba Kolere stated, ‘‘Our Department of Produce and Pest Control will be at the site tomorrow (Thursday) for assessment and necessary advice. We received complaints about some pests, especially in Yunusari Local Government.’’
