Kwara: Farmers warn of impending food shortage due to drought

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Farmers in Kwara State are warning of an impending food shortage due to an abrupt halt in rainfall, which has severely impacted crop growth in the region.

Many farmers have reported that their planted seeds failed to germinate due to the lack of rain, leaving them counting significant losses. Samuel Opaaduraagbaye, a farmer in Ogbondoroko, Asa Local Government Area, expressed deep concern over the rising levels of drought across the state.

Speaking to Western Post, Opaaduraagbaye described the situation as an “unfriendly weather development” that threatens to devastate his farm produce and potentially lead to widespread food shortages in the coming year.

“The current low or no rainfall will definitely result in a food shortage across the country,” he warned, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Echoing this sentiment, another farmer, Moses Kedede, highlighted the negative impact the drought has already had on his crops. Comparing this year’s farming season to the previous year’s, Kedede predicted looming hunger and food scarcity for Nigerians, even if the rains were to resume now.

In response to the farmers’ concerns, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, OlorunToyosi Thomas, expressed sympathy for the affected farmers. She acknowledged the unexpected halt in rainfall as a natural occurrence that could not have been foreseen.

“It’s a situation beyond anyone’s control, but we must now focus on finding ways to mitigate the impact,” the Commissioner stated, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to support the farming community during this challenging time.