Women selling sugarcane from Kulmin Kaduna Community in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State have lamented sugarcane scarcity and the surge in prices in the farms.
They travel on canoes across the Kaduna River for sugarcane, expressing concern over the impact on their profits.
They leave their homes as early as 5am, only to face difficulties in acquiring sugarcane.
Lami Thomas, a sugarcane seller, lamented the challenges, saying they often make minimal profits despite the arduous process of obtaining sugarcane.
Victoria Gambo echoes the struggle, emphasising that despite leaving their children at home for business, the profits are limited. She hopes for an improved economy to benefit individuals facing financial hardships.
Halima Dogara, another sugarcane seller, reveals challenges in returning home late at night, emphasising the increased cost of sugarcane and the impact of government interventions, stating that rural women often miss out on palliatives.
Muhammad Mansir, a sugarcane farmer, attributed the price surge to the high cost of fertilizer and increased fuel price for farming equipment.
He explained that previously a bag of fertilizer was sold at N6,500-N7,000 but presently a bag is sold for N20,000.
He appealed for government’s support, suggesting subsidized fertilizer rates and reduced fuel prices to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and ultimately lower food prices.
