Afrigather Watermelon farmers in Bara village, the center of watermelon manufacturing in Bauchi’s Kirfi LGA, are experiencing a disaster. Ailments and pests have ravaged dry season crops, resulting in important harvest losses.
The scenario has turn into so dire that many farmers have deserted watermelon altogether, choosing maize and different greens. This exodus extends past borders, with a whole bunch of younger farmers relocating to Taraba State and Cameroon to proceed their watermelon cultivation.
An ideal storm of challenges
Isa Danazumi, a veteran watermelon farmer, describes the challenges: “This season, we’ve confronted a double whammy. Seedlings die mysteriously, and even established vegetation succumb to a cussed pest that defies all pesticides.”
Danazumi highlights the monetary pressure: “For 3 years, these points have endured, making watermelon farming of venture. The excessive price of inputs coupled with poor yields depart many farmers with nothing to point out for his or her efforts.”
Farmers search options and authorities help
The financial affect is widespread. Watermelon farming has historically been the mainstay for a lot of Bara households.
Abubakar Ahmadu Tasha Turmi, one other farmer, laments, “We make investments closely in cultivating and defending our crops, solely to finish up with minimal harvest. This season, some farmers haven’t harvested something in any respect.”
The exodus of younger farmers is especially regarding. Many see no different choice however to go away Bara to pursue their livelihoods elsewhere.
Danazumi A. Abdullahi, a farmer with over 40 years of expertise, warns, “Until addressed, these points threaten the very existence of dry season watermelon farming in Bara. We’re interesting to the Bauchi State authorities to intervene.”
A name for intervention
Farmers are pleading for help from the federal government. They request investigation into the reason for the ailments and pests, alongside the event of options. Moreover, they urge the federal government to offer help for contemporary farming methods to enhance yields and doubtlessly reverse the tide of migration.
Alhaji Adamu Sarkin Yamma Bara, a outstanding watermelon dealer, emphasizes the urgency, “We’ve exhausted all our choices. The federal government should act to stop the whole abandonment of watermelon farming, a cornerstone of Bara’s economic system.”
With the way forward for watermelon farming in jeopardy, Bara’s farmers anxiously await a response from the Bauchi State authorities.
