Why Taraba Must Reclaim its Place as Agricultural Powerhouse
By Salis Manager
In 1976 during the era of military Head of State General, Olusegun Obasanjo, a national agricultural extension and mobilization program Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) was introduced as a measure to achieve self sufficiency in food crop production and inspire a new generation to return to farming.
Present day Taraba State, know as ‘Nature’s Gift to the Nation’ is one of the pilots state of that program due to its incredibly vast, fertile and cultivable land, with establishment of Cormo Farm in Gassol Local Government Area.
The Nature’s Gift to the Nation is not just a slogan for identification, it is a true representation of extensive arable lands and diverse agro-climatic zones, possessing immense agricultural potential. Despite sitting on a treasure trove of resources, the state’s agricultural sector remains a diamond in the rough, waiting to be polished.
Being the third largest state in Nigeria with over 54,000 square kilometers of land, Taraba State boasts significant agricultural land resources. This expansive territory provides ample space for diverse farming activities, ranging from crop cultivation to livestock rearing. The state’s varied topography, encompassing plains, valleys, and highlands, further enhances its agricultural diversity.
With a rich agricultural heritage, traditional farming practices deeply ingrained in its culture, known for its production of various crops, including grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Nigeria’s total food consumption gradually increased from about 260 kg/capita in 2021 to 346.3 kg/capita in 2023, peaking in 2024. Cassava and yam dominated food consumption, followed by rice, maize, tomatoes, and onions, which can all be cultivated in Taraba but several factors hinder the state’s agricultural growth, including:
Limited Access to Modern Agricultural Technologies
Many farmers still rely on traditional farming methods, resulting in low yields and limited productivity, imaging a state like Calabar in the South South has most of the world agricultural equipment compatible with global Agric practice.
Poor infrastructure Inadequate transportation, storage, and processing facilities hinder the efficient movement and marketing of agricultural produce, in most of the LGAs harvesting has to be delayed due poor road infrastructure.
Lack of Access to Credit and Markets
Farmers often face challenges in accessing affordable credit and finding viable markets for their produce. For example the 2.5 million farmers under various agricultural intervention programmes by the previous administration Taraba farmers recorded lower beneficiaries.
Limited Access to Quality Inputs
The State has lower patronage of agricultural expert, NGOs that are operating within the agricultural sector which make it near impossible to access quality seeds, fertilizers, and other essential inputs, remains a significant challenge for many farmers.
To unlock the agricultural potential of the state, the following must be prioritize by the state government and even local government:
Investment in Agricultural Research and Development
Promoting research and development in areas such as improved seed varieties, pest and disease control, and climate-smart agriculture must be put at the front burner.
Modernization of Agricultural Practices
Encouraging the adoption of modern farming techniques, such as mechanization, irrigation, and dry season farming to boost productivity.
Development of Agricultural Infrastructure
Improving access to roads, markets, and storage facilities to facilitate the efficient movement and marketing of agricultural produce will go a long way in addressing the bane of this problem.
Strengthening Value Chains
Promoting value addition through agro-processing industries to increase the value of agricultural products is also the way to go.
Empowering Farmers
Providing access to credit, training, and extension services to empower farmers and enhance productivity.
Addressing these challenges and leveraging the abundant resources can unlock the agricultural potential, create jobs, improve food security, and contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of not only the state but Nigeria as a nation. It is time for Taraba to once again become the ‘Agricultural Powerhouse’ it once was.
Salis Manager a Multimedia Expert writes from Abuja and can be reach via: [email protected]
