Ebonyi Farmers Demand Fair Distribution of Farming Supplies

Farmers in Ebonyi State are asking the state government to make sure that agricultural supplies like fertilisers, agrochemicals, improved seedlings, and processing tools go directly to real farmers. This, they say, will help boost food production.

The farmers shared their concerns in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Wednesday.

One of the farmers, Johnson Nwafor from Ndiagu Amagu in Ikwo Local Government Area, mentioned that preparations for the 2026 farming season are already in full swing. He said many farmers are raising rice seedlings in nurseries for transplanting, while others have started land clearing and planting on swampy farmlands.

Mr Nwafor also expressed worry about the high cost of labour, calling it a big challenge for rice farmers this season. He claimed that supplies from the government often end up in the hands of "political farmers," leaving real rural farmers without the help they need.

He urged the government to set up community committees to oversee the distribution of farm supplies. This way, the inputs will reach the actual farmers in the villages.

"The real farmers are in the villages. If they get enough support, they can greatly increase agricultural production and improve food security," he said.

Another farmer, Chidiebere Nwali from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area, highlighted that agriculture is a key source of income. He called on the government to invest more in the sector.

He stressed that the agricultural sector has great potential to generate revenue and create jobs if it receives the right support. Mr Nwali also asked the government to provide modern farming tools to boost productivity and food production in the state.

In the same vein, Uche Nwoba, a farmer from Echialike in Ikwo Local Government Area, pointed out that Ikwo is the largest rice producer in the state. He called for more government support to help farmers increase their output.

NAN reports that a basin of rice is currently selling for between N24,000 and N26,000 in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi.