Rice farmers seek irrigated system, inputs to boost productivity

The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) has called for the provision of irrigation systems for local farmers to boost productivity as the rainfall patterns remain inconsistent.

The Lagos State RIFAN Chairman, Mr Raphael Hunsa, made the call in an interview with our correspondent on Wednesday in Lagos.

Hunsa noted that rice farmers as well as other crop farmers have started preparing the lands for cultivation but the availability of irrigation systems would be an added advantage to productivity.

“This is the right time to start preparation for farming but most locals don’t have irrigation, we don’t have a water system.

“So, we are waiting for the rain to be established before we can go into it fully. But we are gearing up for the rain to fall. When the rain gets fully established, then we can start planting.

“The challenge we are facing as rice farmers is just water issue. We lack good irrigation systems, we need irrigation to boost rice and other crop production.

“And if the irrigation system cannot be done or afforded, then we can go for the cheaper options of borehole and water pump.

“That will be a sustainable option too because most farmers may not be able to afford its good irrigation systems,” Hunsa said.

He said most farmers cannot afford irrigation systems.

“If the government can assist us on water pump machines, we too can even do boreholes on our farms.

“However, because the rains have been irregular, we can only prepare ahead and wait for the rains to start fully.

“Aside the challenges of irrigation we face, we have shortage of farm input supply. We need adequate agrochemicals, fertilisers, and farm machinery to boost productivity.

“We even have problems, just to get tractors to work out lands before cultivation. These factors and others are problems we encounter in rice and other crop cultivation.

“We are in need of chemicals and herbicides to apply on our farms to kill the weeds and prevent cattle from penetrating our farms. We also need rice paddy, viable ones to plant.

“If all these challenges are addressed, including the provision of affordable fertilisers, then production will increase,” the RIFAN chairman said.