Grain Farmers Claim Over 10 Billion Naira Lost in 2025Grain farmers in Kaduna State say they have suffered massive losses estimated at over 10.16 billion naira during the 2025 farming season, following a sharp crash in maize prices across the country. The affected farmers, numbering 2,143, are now appealing to the Federal Government for urgent intervention to save occupation from total collapse.
The farmers, drawn from Kaduna’s three senatorial districts, say soaring costs of farm inputs wiped out their investments. They revealed that while fertiliser prices doubled and pushing the cost of cultivating one hectare of maize to over 2 million naira, the market price of maize fell drastically, leaving them unable to recover production costs.
In a letter to top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Minister of Agriculture, the CBN Governor, and Kaduna’s three Senators, the farmers explained that maize which should sell for over 44,000 naira per 100kg bag to break even now goes for about 22,000 naira, resulting in huge losses per bag.
Operating under a maize farming scheme coordinated by Alhaji Rufai Muazu Dikko, popularly known as Sarkin Labar, the farmers cultivated about 10,000 hectares across Igabi, Soba, Kauru, Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas. From an estimated harvest of 450,000 bags, they calculated a total loss exceeding 10 billion naira.
The farmers warn that without immediate support, many may abandon farming in the 2026 season, a situation they say could threaten national food security. They are calling on the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to provide free or heavily subsidised inputs, promising to repay in maize after harvest.
They also requested an urgent meeting with government officials, stressing that preparations for the next planting season are fast approaching and decisive action is needed to avert a deeper food crisis.
Rel/Shindong Bala
