Wheat farmers in Katsina State have recorded a bumper harvest this dry season, signaling a remarkable recovery for a subsector that has struggled for years under the weight of insecurity and climate-related challenges.
Agricultural activities across northern Nigeria, particularly in Katsina, have faced severe disruptions in recent years as persistent insecurity forced many farmers to abandon their fields. Wheat production was among the hardest hit, with widespread losses recorded in previous seasons.
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However, the current farming season has brought renewed optimism. Improved security conditions in several communities have enabled farmers to return to their farmlands and expand cultivation, resulting in significantly higher yields.
Daily Trust reports that the farmers attribute the success to a combination of relative peace, favourable weather conditions, and improved farming practices.
A wheat farmer in Dandume, Malam Idris Shehu Dandume, said early planting and better understanding of changing climate patterns played a crucial role.
“We were initially worried about unusual weather changes between December and January, but conditions later improved. This season has truly been a blessing for wheat farmers in Katsina,” he said.
Another farmer, Usman Shillo, reported a dramatic increase in output compared to the previous year.
“My harvest has more than doubled. I am expecting over 19 bags from the same farm that produced just seven bags last year,” he said.
Despite the positive outcomes, farmers expressed concern over the lack of government support, especially after years of disruption.
Shillo called for price control mechanisms to protect farmers from market volatility.
“We have seen rice farmers suffer losses due to unstable prices after investing heavily. We need policies that will ensure fair pricing for wheat farmers,” he added.
Market surveys across Dandume, Bakori, and Funtua indicate that wheat prices have remained relatively stable at the start of the season. A 100kg bag currently sells between N70,000 and N80,000, slightly higher than last year’s opening prices of N65,000 to N75,000.
Traders also reported steady supply levels, with no immediate signs of market glut.
In Bakori, farmer Malam Adamu Aminu noted that improved security allowed farmers to cultivate larger areas despite rising input costs.
“In previous years, attacks often occurred during planting or harvest periods, and in some cases, illegal levies were imposed by bandits. This season, the improved peace has allowed us to farm more land, and we are seeing the results,” he said.
Similarly, Malam Aminu Hamisu in Funtua recalled how repeated attacks in 2023 forced many farmers to abandon their fields.
“This year, we returned to farming, and thankfully, the harvest has been encouraging,” he said.
While the outlook for wheat production in Katsina remains promising, stakeholders warn that the gains are still fragile. Lingering security concerns, high input costs, and limited institutional support continue to pose risks to sustained agricultural recovery.
