(DDM) – The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to intervene urgently following a sharp decline in farm produce prices, warning that the situation threatens farmers’ livelihoods and national food security.
The plea was made this week at the National Assembly complex in Abuja during plenary sessions, as lawmakers expressed growing concern over the impact of falling agricultural prices on rural communities across the country.
Senators noted that the ongoing losses could discourage farmers from continued production, reduce national food output, and exacerbate food insecurity in both urban and rural areas.
The Senate urged the government to implement price stabilization mechanisms, improve storage and processing infrastructure, and expand access to domestic and international markets for farmers to prevent post-harvest losses and maintain profitability.
Lawmakers also recommended stronger support programs, including subsidies, insurance schemes, and financial assistance, to shield farmers from economic shocks and ensure the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.
DDM gathered that agricultural experts have long warned that Nigeria’s farming communities face systemic challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices, inadequate storage facilities, poor road networks, and limited access to finance, which collectively undermine productivity and income stability.
The Senate emphasized that agriculture remains a critical sector for national economic stability, employment generation, and poverty reduction, highlighting the urgency of protecting farmers from market volatility.
The price crash has been linked to a combination of factors, including oversupply in certain regions, reduced demand due to rising costs of living, and limited intervention from government regulatory bodies to stabilize commodity prices.
Lawmakers stressed that failure to act promptly could lead to a decline in youth participation in farming, further threatening the future of the nation’s food production capacity.
Senators called for collaboration between federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and agricultural associations to develop strategic solutions for supply chain inefficiencies and market access challenges.
They further noted that interventions must also consider climate change impacts, post-harvest losses, and the need for mechanization to enhance productivity and reduce dependence on labor-intensive methods.
The Senate’s recommendations reflect a growing awareness of the link between agricultural stability, national food security, and economic development, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to support farmers effectively.
The lawmakers concluded that safeguarding farmers’ welfare is not only vital for sustaining rural livelihoods but also for ensuring that Nigeria can meet its domestic food needs and remain resilient to global market fluctuations.
They urged immediate action, noting that stabilizing farm produce prices and improving agricultural infrastructure would provide a lifeline to farmers and secure the country’s long-term food security.
The Senate’s call comes at a time when food inflation is rising, and households across the nation are facing increasing costs for staples, making government intervention in agriculture both timely and necessary.