Sugarcane farmers in Kano are expressing significant concern over a strange disease that wreaks havoc on their crops, which has severely impacted the sugarcane production industry.
Farmers, particularly those from Gamadan, a village on the outskirts of Kano, reported that the outbreak has cost them over two billion this year. They expressed fear that this situation could lead to a shortage of sugarcane and leave them unemployed, as their investments have been devastated by the disaster.
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Agro Climate News has learned that Gamadan town is one of the key hubs for sugarcane farming and business in Kano State. The community relies heavily on sugarcane as its primary source of income.
Reports indicate that the disease has spread to other sugarcane farming regions within the state, including Tofa, Dukawa, Kunshama, Danhassan, and Garin Kaya, all situated in the Kura Local Government Area.
When Agro Climate News visited the affected area, it was evident that residents are grappling with the challenges posed by the outbreak and are calling for significant support from the state government.
Idris Musa Kura, a young farmer from the village, shared with our reporter that many individuals have lost their investments amid the outbreak, with no preventative measures implemented to address future occurrences.
“Gamadan is the largest producer of sugarcane in this region. We have both the farms and the market for selling the produce, attracting buyers from within and outside Kano.
“But this year, at what should be the peak of the sugarcane season, we are facing a serious setback. A strange disease is affecting our sugarcane. Farming sugarcane is challenging because it requires a full year’s commitment. Now that we have invested heavily, we are facing substantial losses at harvest time,” he lamented.
He further noted that some farmers have abandoned sugarcane cultivation in favour of other crops due to these challenges.
Alhaji Kabiru Sulaiman, a sugarcane marketer, commented that if the situation doesn’t improve, the sugarcane market may quickly run dry or experience a price surge due to the crisis.
“Very soon, if no action is taken, the market will be depleted. Sugarcane is encountering a very serious challenge. This disease is beyond what we can manage,” he added.
However, Salisu Saad, an extension agent, stated that he and his team have visited some of the affected areas to assess the situation and have provided recommendations to both the government and the farmers.
“As an extension agent with the Area Agric Coordinator (A.A.C. Kura), we have evaluated the affected sugarcane farms in order to understand the disease outbreak. The situation is alarming, and immediate action is crucial to prevent further damage.
“We have communicated the necessary recommendations and submitted a report to stakeholders to help manage the disease and reduce losses.”
