Nigeria’s Senate has called on the Federal Government to introduce emergency support for farmers struggling with a sharp fall in farm-gate prices, warning that the crisis threatens the livelihoods of growers and could have wider economic consequences. Lawmakers say many farmers are unable to sell their produce at fair prices while the cost of essential inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides remains high, squeezing profits and risking food production levels.
During plenary on 16 December, Senators adopted a motion urging immediate measures to protect farmers from the effects of collapsing produce prices. The motion, sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe Central, noted that while government policies aimed at lowering food prices have eased the burden on consumers, they have also contributed to a severe downturn in earnings for producers.
Senators expressed concern that farm-gate prices have continued to fall even as production costs rise, creating an imbalance that is distorting agricultural markets. Many farmers, they said, are finding it difficult to cover their expenses or invest in the next planting season. The Senate urged the government to design a special intervention package to cushion farmers affected by the price collapse and to consider broad-based subsidies for fertilisers and other essential inputs.
Experts and farmers have long pointed to the need for subsidies and targeted support to boost productivity and stabilise food prices. Fertiliser prices in Nigeria have surged in recent months, with bags of fertiliser reportedly costing many times more than in previous years, prompting calls from farming associations for sustained input support to improve yields and livelihoods.
The economic angle of the crisis is multifaceted. Agriculture remains a key sector for Nigeria’s economy, providing employment for millions and contributing to food security. However, when farmers cannot sell their goods at profitable prices, rural incomes fall, demand in local economies weakens, and investment in agriculture may decline. This could slow national efforts to expand production and improve food availability. An oversupply during harvest seasons, without adequate storage or market access, can further depress prices, discouraging production and potentially reducing future output.
In addition to subsidies, the Senate called on state governors to prioritise support for local farmers by encouraging investment and introducing measures to reduce post-harvest losses. Lawmakers believe that better storage, processing facilities and access to larger markets could help reduce waste and ensure farmers receive fairer returns for their produce.
The situation also intersects with Nigeria’s broader economic challenges. Falling food prices at the farm level can contribute to lower headline inflation, which has recently eased to its lowest level in years, according to official data. A reduction in food prices through increased production and supply can be positive for consumers but must be balanced with policies that keep agriculture viable for producers.
Analysts warn that if the government does not intervene, the collapse in produce prices could discourage participation in farming, leading to a drop in both production and rural incomes. This, in turn, would affect food supply chains and slow efforts to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on food imports, which the government has repeatedly said costs the country billions of dollars every year.
The Senate’s call for action reflects growing concern that without supportive policies, the agricultural sector could face deeper instability, with negative effects both for farmers’ livelihoods and the wider economy. As lawmakers push for emergency measures, the government will need to balance food affordability for consumers with sustainable support for those who produce the nation’s food.
