The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria has called for the provision of irrigation systems for local farmers to boost productivity as rainfall patterns remain increasingly inconsistent. Lagos State RIFAN Chairman, Mr Raphael Hunsa, made the appeal in an interview on Wednesday in Lagos, noting that rice farmers and other crop farmers have begun preparing their lands for cultivation but that irrigation systems would be an added advantage to productivity.
Hunsa explained that most local farmers lack irrigation systems and must wait for the rain to be fully established before planting can commence. He identified the lack of water systems as the primary challenge facing rice farmers, adding that if good irrigation systems cannot be provided, then cheaper options such as boreholes and water pumps would represent a sustainable alternative. However, he acknowledged that most farmers may not be able to afford even these basic systems.
“If the government can assist us with water pump machines, we too can even do boreholes on our farms,” Hunsa said. He noted that because rainfall has become irregular, farmers can only prepare ahead and wait for the rains to start fully. Beyond irrigation challenges, he highlighted a shortage of farm input supply, including agrochemicals, fertilisers, and farm machinery. He also noted difficulties in accessing tractors to work the land before cultivation.
The RIFAN chairman called for adequate chemicals and herbicides to control weeds and prevent cattle from penetrating farms, as well as viable rice paddy for planting. He concluded that if all these challenges are addressed, including the provision of affordable fertilisers, rice production will increase significantly. From an agricultural policy perspective, Nigeria’s rice production has grown substantially in recent years, but productivity per hectare remains below potential due to reliance on rain-fed farming and limited access to modern inputs.
